Khamzat Chimaev is expanding his presence in combat sports by signing with Real American Freestyle (RAF). The announcement was made live during RAF08 on April 18 in Philadelphia. The undefeated UFC middleweight champion’s debut opponent and event are yet to be revealed in the coming weeks. This signing underscores RAF’s strategy of attracting prominent figures from MMA and wrestling to broaden its audience.
Chimaev’s wrestling-centric fighting style, characterized by pressure, control, and physical dominance, has been instrumental in his ascent to a 15-0 MMA record and the UFC middleweight title. His first UFC title defense is scheduled for May 9 against Sean Strickland at UFC 328.
This acquisition is a major coup for RAF as it seeks to establish itself as a premier destination for elite athletes outside traditional wrestling circuits. RAF operates as the first unscripted professional freestyle wrestling league and has a packed event schedule, with RAF08 held on April 18 in Philadelphia, RAF09 on May 30 in Dallas, and RAF10 on June 13 in St. Louis.
The promotion has also confirmed Gable Steveson’s debut for RAF09 against Alexandr Romanov, and reports indicate that former UFC champion Chris Weidman will also make his RAF debut on the same Dallas card.
Chimaev brings a legitimate freestyle wrestling background to RAF. Before his MMA career, he achieved success in Sweden, securing Swedish national titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018 across various weight classes.
The date for Chimaev’s RAF debut is still to be announced, with the promotion promising further details soon. Given his UFC title defense on May 9, it is likely that his wrestling appearance will occur after this commitment, unless RAF strategically places him later in its 2026 calendar.
RAF has already attracted notable names such as Arman Tsarukyan, Urijah Faber, Colby Covington, Gable Steveson, and Chris Weidman. The signing of Khamzat Chimaev, a reigning UFC champion, represents the most significant active MMA star to join their roster to date.