Real American Fighting announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev to their wrestling promotion. The announcement came shortly after RAF 8, which featured other high-profile combat sports athletes including Arman Tsarukyan. Details about Chimaev's specific role, match schedule, or contract terms were not disclosed in the brief announcement. The signing represents a notable expansion of Chimaev's combat sports activities beyond MMA. This marks another crossover athlete joining the wrestling-focused promotion.
Real American Fighting has signed UFC middleweight contender Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev to its wrestling promotion, the organization announced shortly after its RAF 8 event, which also featured other high-profile combat sports athletes including Arman Tsarukyan.
Chimaev, 32, enters the wrestling league as one of the most decorated grapplers currently active in MMA. Ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound standings, he carries a 15-1-0 professional record and has long been recognized as much for his wrestling as his finishing ability. Fighting out of Allstars Training Center and representing the United Arab Emirates, the six-foot-two, 188-centimeter orthodox fighter averages an imposing 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 60 percent — numbers that reflect how seamlessly he blends both disciplines. He also averages 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, underlining the danger he poses once a fight hits the mat.
RAF did not disclose details regarding Chimaev's specific role within the promotion, his match schedule, or the terms of the contract. The announcement was brief, leaving the scope of his involvement an open question.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's signing adds a legitimate top-ten pound-for-pound MMA name to RAF's roster, raising the promotion's profile considerably.
- His elite takedown rate and submission threat make him a credible competitive presence in a wrestling-focused format, not merely a celebrity attraction.
- The move signals a broader trend of active MMA fighters expanding into wrestling promotions as the crossover combat sports market continues to grow.
- Any scheduling commitments with RAF could become relevant context around Chimaev's availability and timeline in the UFC middleweight division.
