The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev. This marks Chimaev's entry into professional wrestling competition with the organization. No specific details about his first match or when he will compete are provided in the announcement. The news comes as Chimaev continues his MMA career alongside this wrestling venture. This represents an expansion of Chimaev's combat sports involvement beyond the UFC.
Khamzat Chimaev has signed with the RAF wrestling league, the organization officially announced, marking a formal step into professional wrestling competition for the undefeated-in-all-but-one MMA star. No details regarding his first match or a scheduled debut date were included in the announcement.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," carries a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 1 loss, currently competing in the UFC's middleweight division where he holds the number one ranking. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, also sits tenth in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev has built his reputation on a smothering grappling-based style, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. His striking is equally dangerous, with a 60 percent accuracy rate and 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute — a combination that has made him one of the most feared fighters in the sport.
The wrestling signing represents an expansion of Chimaev's competitive portfolio beyond the UFC, though the announcement makes clear he will continue pursuing his MMA career alongside this new venture.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked middleweight in the UFC, making any news surrounding him carry significant divisional weight
- His elite grappling credentials — nearly 5.3 takedowns per 15 minutes — make him a natural fit for a professional wrestling platform
- The dual-sport commitment raises questions about scheduling and how the wrestling venture may interact with his UFC obligations
- No debut date or opponent has been announced, leaving the scope of his wrestling involvement unclear for now
