The RAF wrestling league officially announced they have signed Khamzat Chimaev. Details about the length of the contract or specific matchups are limited in the announcement. This represents Chimaev's entry into competitive wrestling through the RAF organization. The signing adds a high-profile MMA fighter to the wrestling promotion's roster.
The RAF wrestling league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev, adding one of MMA's most prominent active competitors to its roster. Few details accompanied the announcement, with the length of the contract and potential matchups left undisclosed.
Chimaev, known by his nickname "Borz," is currently ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and sits at number ten in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, carries a professional MMA record of 15-1-0. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he has built his reputation on an exceptionally well-rounded skill set. His wrestling credentials inside the cage are considerable — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes — making the transition to competitive grappling a natural extension of his existing abilities. He also lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, underscoring his overall combat effectiveness.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's move into competitive wrestling marks a rare crossover for an active, top-ranked MMA fighter at his level.
- His takedown volume and grappling output in MMA suggest he arrives in the RAF league as an immediately credible competitor.
- The signing raises questions about how his wrestling commitments may intersect with his UFC career, given his standing as the division's number-one contender.
- The RAF gains significant visibility by adding a globally recognized name to its promotional roster.
