The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev. This represents Chimaev's entry into professional wrestling competition alongside his MMA career. The announcement was brief and did not provide details about specific matches or his role within the organization. Chimaev joins other MMA fighters who have crossed over to participate in RAF events. Further details about his debut or opponents were not disclosed in the initial announcement.
The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of UFC middleweight contender Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, marking his entry into professional wrestling competition while he continues his MMA career.
Chimaev, 32, is currently ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and sits tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings. Representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center in Stockholm, he carries a professional MMA record of 15-1. His grappling credentials have long been a cornerstone of his MMA game, evidenced by an impressive 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes across his career. His striking is equally dangerous, with a 60 percent accuracy rate and 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute, making him one of the more complete fighters in the sport.
The RAF announcement was brief and offered no details regarding specific matches, scheduled opponents, or the precise role Chimaev will play within the organization. He joins a growing number of active MMA fighters who have participated in RAF events alongside their combat sports careers.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the UFC's top-ranked middleweight, so any outside commitment could attract attention from the promotion regarding scheduling and contractual obligations.
- His elite grappling background makes him a natural fit for professional wrestling competition, though his exact format and role remain unspecified.
- The crossover continues a broader trend of high-profile MMA athletes exploring professional wrestling platforms while remaining active in the cage.
