The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev. This marks Chimaev's entry into professional wrestling competition outside of mixed martial arts. The announcement comes as RAF continues to attract high-profile MMA fighters to compete in wrestling matches. Chimaev, known for his dominant wrestling in the UFC, will now test his skills in pure wrestling competition. The signing has already generated interest from other fighters, with Bo Nickal immediately offering to face Chimaev. No specific opponents or match dates have been announced yet for Chimaev's RAF debut.
Khamzat Chimaev has signed with the RAF wrestling league, the organization officially announced on April 19, 2026, marking the UFC middleweight contender's entry into professional wrestling competition outside of mixed martial arts.
Chimaev, nicknamed "Borz," arrives as one of the most decorated grapplers currently competing in the UFC. The 32-year-old holds a 15-1-0 professional record and sits ranked first in the middleweight division, as well as tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings. Fighting out of the United Arab Emirates and training at Allstars Training Center, the six-foot-two, 188-centimeter fighter has built his MMA reputation largely on suffocating wrestling, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes inside the octagon. His striking output is equally notable, with a 60 percent accuracy rate and 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute — figures that speak to his all-around dominance. Competing in pure wrestling will strip away the striking and submission dimensions, presenting a distinct test of his grappling in its most fundamental form.
The announcement immediately drew a response from fellow UFC fighter Bo Nickal, who called out Chimaev for a potential RAF matchup. No specific opponents or dates have been confirmed for Chimaev's debut.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's move adds a major combat sports name to RAF's growing roster of high-profile MMA fighters
- His ranking as the number-one middleweight contender means any extended absence or injury carries significant divisional implications
- The callout from Bo Nickal, himself a decorated amateur wrestler, sets up a marquee potential matchup between two elite grappling-based UFC fighters
- Pure wrestling competition removes Chimaev's striking and submission tools, offering a fresh measure of his grappling credentials
