The RAF wrestling league officially announced the signing of UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev. This represents Chimaev's expansion into competitive wrestling alongside his MMA career. The announcement generated immediate attention from other fighters in the organization. Details about specific matchups or debut timing were not provided in the initial announcement. This move demonstrates Chimaev's continued interest in showcasing his wrestling abilities in different competitive formats.
Khamzat Chimaev has added another competitive outlet to his fighting career, with the RAF wrestling league officially announcing the signing of the UFC middleweight contender on April 19, 2026.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," enters the wrestling circuit as one of the most decorated grapplers currently active in MMA. The 32-year-old carries a 15-1-0 professional record and holds the number-one ranking in the UFC middleweight division, as well as the tenth spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. Representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center, Chimaev has built his MMA reputation largely on suffocating grappling, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. His striking numbers are equally imposing, landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he presents a physically imposing profile in any grappling context.
The announcement drew immediate attention from fighters already within the RAF wrestling organization, though the league did not release details regarding specific matchups or a timeline for Chimaev's competitive debut.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's elite takedown volume and submission threat translate directly to competitive wrestling environments
- As the top-ranked UFC middleweight, his involvement raises the profile of the RAF wrestling league considerably
- The move signals a broader ambition to compete across disciplines while maintaining his MMA commitments
- No word yet on how a wrestling schedule might interact with his UFC obligations at 185 pounds
