The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev. No details about potential opponents, bout dates, or contract terms are provided in this brief announcement. Chimaev, currently an active UFC fighter, will now compete in wrestling matches for RAF alongside his MMA career. This follows a trend of UFC fighters participating in RAF wrestling events.
Khamzat Chimaev has added another competitive outlet to his schedule, with the RAF wrestling league officially announcing the signing of the UFC middleweight contender on April 19, 2026.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," currently holds a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 1 loss and is ranked first in the UFC middleweight division, as well as tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, brings elite grappling credentials to the mat-based competition. His UFC numbers reflect a fighter built around control and pressure — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 60 percent accuracy rate, among the highest in the sport. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he is a physically imposing presence at middleweight.
No details regarding opponents, bout dates, or contract terms were disclosed in the announcement. The move follows a broader pattern of active UFC fighters taking part in RAF wrestling events, though the specific terms of how Chimaev will balance both commitments remain unclear.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the No. 1-ranked UFC middleweight, meaning his participation in outside competition could draw significant attention to the RAF wrestling league.
- His grappling statistics — nearly 5.3 takedowns per 15 minutes — suggest he enters wrestling competition with a credible skill set beyond MMA.
- The arrangement raises questions about scheduling and how RAF bouts may overlap with his UFC obligations, though no conflicts have been reported.
