The Real Action Fighting (RAF) league announced it has signed Khamzat Chimaev to compete in their wrestling promotion. The brief announcement confirms Chimaev's addition to the RAF roster. No details were provided about the terms of the deal or when Chimaev will make his debut. This represents a significant signing for the wrestling organization, adding a high-profile UFC fighter to their lineup.
Real Action Fighting has announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev, adding the UFC middleweight contender to its wrestling promotion roster. The organization confirmed the move on April 19, 2026, though no contract terms or debut timeline were disclosed.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," carries a professional MMA record of 15 wins and 1 loss and currently sits ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, is one of the most dominant grapplers in the sport. His numbers reflect that: he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a rate of 4.04 per minute with a striking accuracy of 60 percent, a figure that underscores both his offensive volume and efficiency.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked UFC middleweight and a top-ten pound-for-pound fighter, giving RAF immediate credibility and name recognition
- His elite takedown volume — among the highest in the sport — makes him a natural fit for a wrestling-focused promotion
- The absence of debut details leaves open questions about how this arrangement interacts with any existing UFC commitments
- RAF secures a crossover draw who can appeal to both MMA and wrestling audiences
