The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev to their roster. This marks Chimaev's entry into competitive wrestling outside of MMA, adding another high-profile UFC fighter to the growing wrestling promotion. Specific details about when Chimaev will compete or who his first opponent might be were not included in the announcement.
The RAF wrestling league has announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev, bringing the UFC middleweight contender onto their competitive wrestling roster. The promotion made the news official on April 19, 2026, though no details were provided regarding when Chimaev will make his debut or who he might face first.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," carries a 15-1-0 professional MMA record and currently holds the number-one contender spot in the UFC middleweight division, with a top-ten pound-for-pound ranking as well. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, has built his reputation as one of the sport's most dominant grapplers. His numbers reinforce that reputation: he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, while also displaying elite striking with a 60 percent accuracy rate and 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he combines physical tools with technical wrestling that traces back to his roots in the discipline.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's signing adds a legitimate elite-level grappler to the RAF wrestling league, raising the promotion's profile considerably.
- As the number-one ranked middleweight contender in the UFC, his crossover into competitive wrestling puts both organizations in the spotlight.
- The move signals a broader trend of high-profile UFC fighters engaging in wrestling promotions outside of MMA competition.
- No timeline or opponent details have been announced, leaving the competitive implications unclear for now.
