The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev to their organization. The announcement was brief with no additional details provided about the terms of the deal, potential opponents, or when Chimaev might compete. This represents a crossover move for Chimaev, who is primarily known as an MMA fighter in the UFC. The signing adds a high-profile name from MMA to the wrestling promotion's roster. Further details about his role and competition schedule in RAF remain limited at this time.
Khamzat Chimaev has signed with the RAF wrestling league, the organization officially announced on April 19, 2026, marking a crossover move for one of the UFC's most prominent middleweights. No further details were disclosed regarding contract terms, potential opponents, or a competition timeline.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," enters the wrestling league as the number-one ranked middleweight contender in the UFC and sits tenth on the pound-for-pound rankings. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center, carries a professional MMA record of 15 wins and one loss. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he has built his reputation on a relentless grappling-heavy style that translates naturally to a wrestling context. His UFC numbers bear that out — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent striking accuracy, a combination that has made him one of the division's most complete and feared fighters.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's elite grappling credentials make him an instantly credible addition to a wrestling promotion
- The signing raises questions about how his wrestling commitments may interact with his status as the UFC's top-ranked middleweight contender
- His global profile gives RAF immediate visibility, though the lack of disclosed details leaves the scope of his involvement unclear
