The Real Alliance Fighting (RAF) wrestling league has officially announced the signing of UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev. This marks Chimaev's entry into competitive wrestling outside of MMA. Details on his specific role, weight class, or debut timeline were not provided in the initial announcement. RAF has been attracting high-profile MMA fighters to compete in wrestling formats. The signing adds a major name to the organization's roster. Chimaev is known for his dominant wrestling in MMA competition.
The Real Alliance Fighting wrestling league has announced the signing of UFC middleweight contender Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, marking his first venture into competitive wrestling outside of mixed martial arts. The organization did not provide details on his weight class, specific role, or debut timeline in the initial announcement.
Chimaev, 32, carries a 15-1-0 professional MMA record and currently sits at number one in the UFC middleweight rankings, with a top-ten spot on the pound-for-pound list. Fighting out of Allstars Training Center and representing the United Arab Emirates, the six-foot-two orthodox fighter has built his reputation on smothering grappling pressure. His numbers bear that out: he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, an unusual combination of volume and precision that few fighters in any division can match. He also averages 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, reflecting a relentless offensive approach on the ground.
RAF has been actively recruiting high-profile MMA talent to compete in wrestling formats, and Chimaev represents one of the more prominent names the organization has secured. His dominance in the grappling phases of MMA makes the transition a natural one on paper.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked UFC middleweight and a top-ten pound-for-pound fighter, lending the signing significant profile
- His takedown rate and submission activity make him a credible competitor in a pure wrestling context
- The move signals continued crossover interest between elite MMA wrestlers and dedicated wrestling leagues
- No debut timeline has been confirmed, leaving questions about how the commitment fits alongside his UFC schedule
