The Real American Fighting (RAF) league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev. This marks a significant addition to the wrestling promotion's roster. Details about the length of the contract, specific matchups, or Chimaev's competition schedule with RAF were not provided in the announcement. The signing represents an expansion of Chimaev's combat sports involvement beyond MMA.
The Real American Fighting league has confirmed the signing of Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, adding one of mixed martial arts' most dominant active competitors to its wrestling promotion roster. The announcement, made on April 19, 2026, did not include details on contract length, specific opponents, or a competition schedule.
Chimaev, 32, represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center. He carries a 15-1-0 professional MMA record and currently sits ranked first in the UFC middleweight division, as well as tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings. His statistical profile underscores why the signing drew attention: he lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, while also averaging an imposing 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev blends elite grappling credentials with aggressive striking, making him a natural fit for a wrestling-oriented promotion.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's signing signals that top-tier MMA talent is beginning to explore combat sports ventures outside the cage, expanding his brand into professional wrestling.
- As the number-one ranked middleweight and a top-ten pound-for-pound fighter, his presence immediately elevates RAF's profile.
- His elite takedown rate and submission activity suggest he brings legitimate grappling credibility to the wrestling format, rather than a purely promotional role.
- No matchups or timeline have been confirmed, leaving the competitive scope of his RAF involvement an open question.
