The RAF wrestling league announced it has signed Khamzat Chimaev to compete in their organization. This represents a significant addition to the wrestling promotion's roster. The announcement was made officially by the league. No details were provided about specific opponents or match dates. This move indicates Chimaev's continued involvement in wrestling competition alongside his MMA career.
Khamzat Chimaev has added another competitive outlet to his schedule, with the RAF wrestling league officially announcing the signing of the UFC middleweight contender to compete under their banner.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," enters the wrestling promotion as one of the most decorated grapplers currently active in mixed martial arts. The 32-year-old carries a 15-1 professional MMA record and holds the number-one ranking in the UFC middleweight division, as well as sitting tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. Representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center in Stockholm, Chimaev has built his reputation on relentless grappling pressure. His numbers reflect that style: he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes in MMA competition. His striking is equally notable, with a 60 percent accuracy rate and 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute — figures that place him among the division's most complete fighters.
The RAF announcement did not include details regarding specific opponents, match formats, or scheduled dates for his appearances in the league.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the UFC's top-ranked middleweight, making his involvement in any outside competition a notable story for both MMA and wrestling audiences.
- His participation keeps his grappling sharp and visible at a high level between MMA bouts.
- The signing underscores a growing trend of elite MMA athletes competing in wrestling leagues to maintain competitive edge and expand their sporting profile.
