Khamzat Chimaev will make his debut in the RAF league on June 13. An opponent has been identified and will be announced soon. Arman Tsarukyan will also compete on the same card. No further details about the event or opponents were provided in the announcement. This marks a notable development for Chimaev outside of the UFC.
Khamzat Chimaev is set to make his debut in the RAF league on June 13, with an opponent already identified but not yet officially named. Arman Tsarukyan will also appear on the same card, though details about his matchup remain similarly undisclosed. The announcement signals a significant move for both fighters outside of the UFC.
Chimaev, 32, represents the United Arab Emirates and trains out of Allstars Training Center. The middleweight contender carries a 15-1 record and currently sits ranked first in his division and tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. Known for his overwhelming grappling-based pressure, "Borz" averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a remarkable 60 percent accuracy rate, adding 4.04 significant strikes per minute to his output.
Tsarukyan, nicknamed "Ahalkalakets," is 29 years old and fights out of American Top Team representing Russia. The lightweight sits at number one in his division with a 23-3 record. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he is an active and well-rounded competitor, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy while also contributing 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's RAF debut marks a notable departure from his UFC career, where he holds the number one middleweight ranking
- Tsarukyan appearing on the same card adds further star power to what shapes up as a high-profile RAF event
- Both fighters are top-ranked in their respective UFC divisions, lending the card significant prestige
- Opponent announcements for both men are still pending, leaving key matchup questions unanswered
