RAF League announces signing of Khamzat Chimaev

The Real Action Fight League has announced the signing of Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, adding the UFC middleweight contender to its roster in a move that marks a notable crossover between elite MMA competition and the wrestling-focused organization. The announcement came in the wake of RAF 08, which showcased several high-profile grappling bouts, though specific details about Chimaev's role or scheduled appearances under the RAF banner remain limited.

Chimaev arrives as one of the most decorated and feared fighters in the middleweight division. The 32-year-old, representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center, carries a professional record of 15-1 and currently sits at number one in the UFC middleweight rankings, as well as tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. His physical profile — six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach — complements a fighting style built around relentless pressure and elite grappling. 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, figures that reflect a complete and dominant skill set.

Why it matters

• Chimaev is the top-ranked UFC middleweight contender, making this signing the highest-profile acquisition in RAF League history
• His grappling credentials align directly with RAF's wrestling-centric format, raising the organization's visibility considerably
• His pound-for-pound ranking of tenth underscores the broader MMA world's attention this deal is likely to attract
• The limited details surrounding his specific role leave open questions about how a UFC-ranked fighter fits within RAF's competitive structure