The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev to their organization. This represents a notable crossover move for the UFC fighter into competitive wrestling. Details on specific opponents, event dates, or the terms of Chimaev's agreement with RAF are not provided in the brief announcement. The signing adds another high-profile MMA name to the growing RAF roster. This move follows similar crossover appearances by other UFC fighters in the wrestling promotion.
The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of UFC middleweight contender Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, marking a notable crossover move for one of the sport's most physically dominant competitors. No details regarding specific opponents, event dates, or contract terms were included in the announcement.
Chimaev enters the RAF roster as one of the most decorated grapplers currently active in MMA. The 32-year-old carries a 15-1-0 professional record and holds the number-one ranking in the UFC middleweight division, while sitting tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. Representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center in Stockholm, Chimaev has built his reputation on a punishing blend of wrestling and striking. He lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, and averages an imposing 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes — numbers that illustrate why his transition to competitive wrestling draws immediate attention. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he brings elite physical tools to the mat as well.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's elite takedown rate of 5.29 per 15 minutes translates directly to high-level competitive wrestling, making him a credible addition beyond name value alone.
- As the UFC's top-ranked middleweight, his signing raises the profile of the RAF league considerably and continues a trend of high-profile MMA crossovers into the promotion.
- The move adds a new dimension to Chimaev's competitive calendar, though how it interacts with his UFC obligations remains unclear given the absence of scheduling details in the announcement.
