The Real American Fighting (RAF) league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev. This marks Chimaev's entry into the wrestling-focused promotion, expanding his combat sports presence beyond MMA. No details about specific matchups or debut date were provided in the announcement. The signing represents a significant addition for the RAF organization.
The Real American Fighting league has officially confirmed the signing of Khamzat Chimaev, bringing one of MMA's most prominent active competitors into the wrestling-focused promotion. No debut date or specific opponent has been announced alongside the deal.
Chimaev, known by the nickname "Borz," enters the RAF organization as the number-one ranked middleweight in MMA and sits at number ten in the pound-for-pound standings. The 32-year-old carries a professional MMA record of 15 wins and one loss, competing out of the United Arab Emirates and training at Allstars Training Center. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he is an orthodox fighter who blends elite grappling with sharp striking. His numbers reflect that versatility — he lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate, while also averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.8 submission attempts in the same window. Those figures place him among the most well-rounded combat sports athletes currently active.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's move into wrestling expands his combat sports profile beyond MMA, giving the RAF league immediate name recognition and credibility.
- His grappling statistics — particularly his takedown volume — translate directly to a wrestling format, making the transition a natural fit.
- The signing raises the profile of the RAF organization significantly, though the absence of matchup details leaves the commercial and competitive impact uncertain for now.
