RAF announces signing of Khamzat Chimaev

The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the addition of Khamzat Chimaev to its roster, bringing one of mixed martial arts' most dominant competitors into the world of professional wrestling competition.

Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," arrives as the number-one ranked middleweight contender in the UFC and sits at number ten in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center, carries a professional MMA record of 15-1-0. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he has built his reputation on relentless grappling pressure, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes — a rate that makes him a natural fit for a wrestling-based format. His striking numbers are equally impressive, with a 60 percent striking accuracy and 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute, though it is his wrestling pedigree that has long defined his identity as a fighter.

The RAF has been steadily attracting high-profile MMA talent to its wrestling competition format, and Chimaev represents one of the most prominent signings under that banner to date. The announcement did not include details regarding potential opponents or scheduled match dates.

Why it matters

• Chimaev's elite takedown volume makes him a credible threat in a pure wrestling environment
• The signing raises the RAF's profile significantly, adding a top-ten pound-for-pound MMA name to its roster
• His arrival continues a growing trend of elite MMA fighters crossing over into structured wrestling competitions
• No match details have been confirmed, leaving the competitive implications of the signing unclear for now