Khamzat Chimaev will make his debut in the RAF promotion on June 13, according to a report from Igor Kak Dela. An opponent for Chimaev has been selected but has not yet been publicly announced. The event will also feature lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan on the same card. This represents a significant move for the UFC middleweight, though details about his involvement with RAF while under UFC contract remain limited. Further information about the event and matchups is expected soon.
Reports out of Russia indicate that Khamzat Chimaev is set to appear at a RAF promotion event on June 13, with lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan also scheduled for the same card. The story, attributed to Igor Kak Dela, has not been officially confirmed, and key details — including Chimaev's opponent — have yet to be publicly announced.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," carries a 15-1 record and currently sits as the number-one ranked middleweight in the UFC, as well as tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. The 32-year-old, who fights out of Allstars Training Center and represents the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most physically dominant fighters in the sport. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 60 percent accuracy, and his grappling is equally dangerous — averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. How his involvement with RAF fits alongside an existing UFC contract remains unclear.
Tsarukyan, the number-one ranked lightweight contender, brings a 23-3 record and formidable credentials of his own. The 29-year-old from Russia, now training out of American Top Team, stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach and generates 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy. He also adds a consistent wrestling threat, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the UFC's top-ranked middleweight, making any outside promotional appearance an unusual and significant development
- Tsarukyan is the lightweight division's top contender, raising the overall profile of the RAF card considerably
- Both fighters' contractual situations with the UFC in relation to this event remain unaddressed publicly
- The opponent selected for Chimaev has not yet been revealed, leaving the full competitive stakes of his bout unknown
