The Real American Fight (RAF) wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev. The announcement confirms Chimaev's participation in the wrestling promotion alongside his UFC career. Details about his debut date or specific opponents were not provided in the initial announcement. This move adds a high-profile MMA fighter to RAF's roster. Chimaev's wrestling background makes him a natural fit for the competition format.
The Real American Fight wrestling league has officially added Khamzat Chimaev to its roster, the promotion announced on April 19, 2026. The signing confirms that Chimaev will compete in RAF alongside his ongoing UFC career, though no debut date or initial opponents were named in the announcement.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," is currently ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and sits at number ten in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 32-year-old, who fights out of Allstars Training Center and represents the United Arab Emirates, carries a professional MMA record of 15-1-0. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he fights from an orthodox stance and has built his reputation on elite grappling combined with heavy striking output. He averages 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute at 60 percent accuracy, and his takedown rate of 5.29 per 15 minutes reflects the wrestling pedigree that makes this move a natural extension of his competitive identity.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's elite grappling credentials bring immediate credibility and a high-profile name to RAF's roster
- The dual-competition arrangement places one of the UFC's top middleweights in a wrestling format that suits his core skill set
- His pound-for-pound ranking and divisional standing mean any performance in RAF will draw attention from the broader combat sports audience
- Fans will be watching to see how an active top-ranked UFC contender transitions into dedicated wrestling competition
