The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev to their roster. Details about the specific terms of the deal, when Chimaev will compete, or who his potential opponents might be were not provided in the announcement. The signing represents a notable expansion of Chimaev's combat sports activities beyond MMA. This news has already generated immediate reactions from other combat athletes, including callout responses from fighters interested in facing him in wrestling competition.
Khamzat Chimaev has taken a step outside the octagon, with the RAF wrestling league officially announcing the signing of the undefeated middleweight contender to its roster on April 19, 2026.
The announcement did not include details on contract terms, a competition timeline, or potential opponents for Chimaev in the wrestling format. What the signing does confirm is that "Borz" is expanding his combat sports footprint beyond MMA, drawing immediate attention from other athletes who have already issued callout responses expressing interest in facing him on the wrestling circuit.
Chimaev, 32, represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden. Currently ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound standings, he carries a professional MMA record of 15 wins and one loss. His grappling credentials have long been considered among the most dangerous in the sport, and the verified numbers back that reputation — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His striking output is equally formidable, with 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate. He stands six-foot-two, measuring 188 cm, with a 75-inch reach.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's entry into competitive wrestling raises his profile in a sport where his grappling credentials were already widely respected
- The immediate callout responses suggest the signing has already created competitive buzz within the wrestling community
- No timeline or opponent details were announced, leaving the scope of his wrestling involvement unclear for now
