The RAF League has officially announced the signing of UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev. This represents a significant addition to the wrestling promotion's roster. Details about the specific terms of the agreement or Chimaev's competition schedule with RAF are not provided in the initial announcement. The signing adds a high-profile MMA fighter to the wrestling league's lineup. Further information about Chimaev's role and upcoming matches in RAF is expected to follow.
The RAF League has officially announced the signing of Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, bringing one of MMA's most dominant contenders into the wrestling promotion's fold. The announcement was made public on April 19, 2026, though specific contract terms and a competition schedule with the league have not yet been disclosed.
Chimaev, 32, carries a professional MMA record of 15-1-0 and currently holds the number-one contender ranking in the UFC middleweight division, with a place inside the top ten on the pound-for-pound list. Representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center, the six-foot-two orthodox fighter brings a 75-inch reach and a well-rounded skill set that has made him one of the sport's most feared competitors. He lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, while averaging an exceptional 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.8 submission attempts in the same span — numbers that speak to an overwhelming grappling-heavy style.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the UFC's top-ranked middleweight contender, making this a high-profile crossover addition for the RAF League
- His elite takedown output — 5.29 per 15 minutes — translates directly to a competitive wrestling context
- No competition schedule has been confirmed, leaving the scope of his involvement with RAF unclear
- The signing raises questions about how his commitments with the wrestling league may interact with his UFC career trajectory
The RAF League has not yet provided further details on the terms of the agreement or when Chimaev is expected to compete under its banner.
