The Real Action Fight (RAF) league announced it has signed UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev to its roster. The announcement was made on April 19, 2026. No details about contract terms, fight schedule, or whether this affects his UFC status were provided in the brief announcement. RAF is a wrestling-focused promotion that has been signing notable MMA fighters. This represents a significant acquisition for the league given Chimaev's profile in combat sports.
The Real Action Fight league confirmed on April 19, 2026, that it has added Khamzat Chimaev to its roster, marking one of the most prominent signings in the wrestling-focused promotion's history.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," enters the deal as the number-one ranked middleweight contender in the UFC and the tenth-ranked fighter pound-for-pound. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, carries a professional record of 15 wins and one loss. He is one of the more complete fighters in the sport at his weight class, landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent while also averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. His submission threat is equally real, averaging 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, the orthodox fighter presents problems in every phase of combat.
The RAF league did not disclose contract terms, a fight schedule, or any information regarding how the signing interacts with Chimaev's existing UFC standing. The brief announcement offered no clarity on those fronts.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the UFC's top-ranked middleweight contender and a pound-for-pound top-ten fighter, giving RAF immediate credibility with a single signing.
- The absence of detail around his UFC status leaves open significant questions about whether he can compete in both organizations or whether a contractual conflict exists.
- RAF's wrestling-centric format suits Chimaev's grappling-heavy style, which could make him a centerpiece of the promotion's competitive identity.
