The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev to their roster. This represents a significant addition to the wrestling promotion's lineup, bringing in one of MMA's most accomplished grapplers. The announcement provides no details about potential opponents or when Chimaev might compete. This move allows the UFC fighter to compete in high-level wrestling competition alongside his MMA career.
The RAF wrestling league has announced the addition of Khamzat Chimaev to its roster, bringing one of MMA's most feared grapplers into high-level wrestling competition alongside his UFC career.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," holds a 15-1-0 professional MMA record and currently sits as the number-one ranked middleweight in the UFC, with a place inside the pound-for-pound top ten at tenth overall. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach. His grappling credentials within MMA speak for themselves — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and generates 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, numbers that rank among the most aggressive in his division. He also maintains a striking accuracy of 60 percent, underscoring a well-rounded game built on relentless pressure.
The RAF wrestling league made the announcement without disclosing potential opponents or a timeline for when Chimaev might take to the mat competitively under their banner.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's elite takedown rate and submission activity make him a genuine threat in high-level wrestling competition, not merely a promotional name.
- The signing raises questions about scheduling and how wrestling commitments will sit alongside his position as the UFC's top-ranked middleweight contender.
- Cross-sport participation at this level could raise his profile further and sharpen a grappling skill set already considered among the best in MMA's 185-pound division.
