Khamzat Chimaev signs with RAF wrestling league

Khamzat Chimaev has added another competitive outlet to his schedule, with the RAF wrestling league officially announcing the signing of the undefeated-in-all-but-one MMA star to its roster.

Chimaev, known as "Borz," enters the wrestling promotion as one of the most high-profile names in combat sports. The 32-year-old represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center. He currently holds a 15-1-0 professional MMA record and sits ranked first in the UFC middleweight division, as well as tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. His grappling credentials have long been central to his reputation inside the cage, where he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. He stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance.

The announcement from the RAF wrestling league was sparse on detail, offering no specifics on contract terms, match schedule, or the format of his participation. The signing nonetheless represents a notable addition to the promotion's roster and continues a broader pattern of elite MMA competitors crossing over into organized wrestling competition.

Why it matters

• Chimaev is the top-ranked UFC middleweight, meaning any time commitment or physical risk outside the cage carries divisional implications
• His elite takedown output makes him a credible competitive figure in wrestling, not merely a celebrity signing
• The move adds another layer of activity for a fighter whose MMA schedule has at times been unpredictable
• Details on how his wrestling commitments will fit alongside his UFC obligations remain unclear following the brief announcement