The Real Action Federation (RAF) wrestling league has officially announced the signing of UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev. This marks Chimaev's entry into competitive wrestling outside of mixed martial arts, adding another dimension to his combat sports career. The announcement was made shortly before RAF 8, generating immediate reactions from other wrestlers including Bo Nickal. Further details about Chimaev's debut match or contract terms were not disclosed in the announcement.
The Real Action Federation wrestling league has added a high-profile name to its roster, officially announcing the signing of UFC middleweight contender Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev ahead of RAF 8. The move marks Chimaev's first foray into competitive wrestling outside of mixed martial arts, broadening his presence across combat sports. No details on contract terms or a scheduled debut match were included in the announcement.
Chimaev, 32, represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden. Currently ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and tenth on the pound-for-pound list, he carries a professional MMA record of 15-1-0 and has long been regarded as one of the most complete grapplers in the sport. His numbers reflect that reputation: he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a rate of 4.04 per minute with a striking accuracy of 60 percent, a combination that has made him a uniquely difficult opponent at 188 cm and a 191 cm reach. The signing gives that wrestling pedigree a dedicated competitive platform.
The announcement drew immediate attention from within the RAF roster, with fellow competitor Bo Nickal among those publicly reacting to the news.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked UFC middleweight contender, so any activity outside the octagon draws divisional scrutiny
- His grappling credentials — among the best in MMA — will be directly tested in a pure wrestling format
- Nickal's reaction signals the signing has already stirred competitive interest inside the RAF locker room
- No debut date has been confirmed, leaving the timeline for his wrestling appearances open
