The RAF league has officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev. The announcement confirms that the UFC middleweight contender has added a contract with the Russian-based promotion to his fighting portfolio. Details about the terms of the deal, the number of fights, or whether this represents an exclusive arrangement were not disclosed in the initial announcement. This signing follows similar moves by other high-profile fighters who have signed with multiple promotions. The news generated immediate reaction from other fighters, including Bo Nickal, who challenged Chimaev following the announcement.
Khamzat Chimaev has officially joined the RAF league, the Russian-based promotion confirmed on April 19, 2026, adding the undefeated middleweight contender to its roster alongside his existing UFC commitments. The announcement did not disclose the length of the deal, financial terms, or whether the arrangement is exclusive. The news immediately drew a response from UFC prospect Bo Nickal, who issued a public challenge to Chimaev following the signing.
Chimaev, known by the nickname "Borz," enters this arrangement as one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet. The 32-year-old, who represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, carries a 15-1-0 professional record and currently sits ranked first in the UFC middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he is a physically imposing presence who backs that up with elite numbers across every facet of the game. Chimaev lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, while also averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a combination that makes him a genuine threat everywhere the fight goes.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the No. 1 ranked UFC middleweight, so any additional competitive activity draws scrutiny from the division and the promotion.
- The terms of the RAF deal remain undisclosed, leaving questions about exclusivity and scheduling conflicts unanswered.
- Bo Nickal's public challenge in the immediate aftermath signals that the announcement has already shifted the competitive conversation at 185 pounds.
- Multi-promotion signing trends among elite fighters could have broader implications for how the UFC manages its top-ranked talent.
