Khamzat Chimaev will make his debut for the RAF promotion on June 13, 2026. While his opponent has already been determined, the name has not yet been publicly announced. The post indicates the opponent will be revealed soon. Additionally, Arman Tsarukyan is also scheduled to compete on the same card. This represents a significant promotional appearance for both fighters outside their primary organizations.
Khamzat Chimaev is set to make his promotional debut for RAF on June 13, 2026, with his opponent already identified but not yet publicly named. Arman Tsarukyan is also booked for the same card, making it a notable event featuring two of the sport's top-ranked competitors appearing outside their primary organizations.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," carries a 15-1-0 record and currently sits as the number-one ranked middleweight in the world, with a top-ten pound-for-pound ranking as well. The 32-year-old representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center is one of the most physically imposing fighters in the sport at six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach. His numbers reflect a complete skill set — he lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate while averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, a combination that has made him one of the most feared competitors in the division.
Tsarukyan, nicknamed "Ahalkalakets," brings a 23-3-0 record to the card and holds the number-one ranking at lightweight. The 29-year-old Russian, who trains out of American Top Team, stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach. He averages 3.85 significant strikes per minute and lands takedowns at a rate of 3.26 per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat at 155 pounds.
Why it matters
- Chimaev's RAF debut draws significant attention to the promotion, with the number-one middleweight's opponent still to be revealed
- Tsarukyan's presence on the same card adds further weight to what shapes up as a marquee event
- Both fighters are ranked first in their respective UFC divisions, raising questions about how their RAF appearances may affect their standing and future matchmaking
