The Real Arm Fighting (RAF) wrestling league has announced the signing of UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev. This represents a crossover move for Chimaev, who will compete in wrestling in addition to his MMA career. Details about specific matches or timeline for Chimaev's RAF debut are limited in the announcement. The signing adds a high-profile MMA name to the wrestling promotion's roster.
The Real Arm Fighting wrestling league has announced the signing of UFC middleweight contender Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, marking a notable crossover move for one of mixed martial arts' most dominant grapplers. The promotion made the announcement on April 19, 2026, though specific details regarding scheduled matches or a timeline for Chimaev's debut remain limited.
Chimaev, 32, represents a significant acquisition for the RAF roster. The UAE-based fighter trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden and currently holds a 15-1-0 professional MMA record, ranking first in the UFC middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he has built his reputation on suffocating grappling and relentless pressure, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes in his MMA career. His striking output is equally notable, landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 60 percent — a combination that makes him dangerous across all phases of a fight.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's elite grappling credentials, including 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes in MMA, translate directly to competitive wrestling.
- The signing elevates RAF's profile by adding a top-ten pound-for-pound MMA name to its roster.
- How Chimaev manages a dual competitive schedule across wrestling and MMA could influence his availability within the UFC's middleweight division, where he holds the number-one contender position.
- The move signals growing interest from combat sports promotions in recruiting active, high-ranking MMA athletes for crossover competition.
