Undefeated UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev is set to expand his combat sports endeavors by signing with Real American Freestyle (RAF). The announcement was made during the RAF08 broadcast on April 18 in Philadelphia. While his debut opponent and specific event are yet to be confirmed, this signing signifies RAF’s continued strategy of attracting prominent names from MMA and wrestling to broaden its appeal.
Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy style, characterized by pressure, control, and physical dominance, has been instrumental in his perfect 15-0 MMA record and his UFC middleweight title win. His first title defense is scheduled for May 9 against Sean Strickland at UFC 328.
For RAF, this acquisition is a key development as the promotion aims to establish itself as a premier destination for elite athletes outside the traditional wrestling circuit. As the first unscripted professional freestyle wrestling league, RAF has been actively expanding its presence with a packed schedule, including RAF08 on April 18, RAF09 on May 30 in Dallas, and RAF10 on June 13 in St. Louis. Notably, RAF09 will also feature the debut of Gable Steveson against Alexandr Romanov, and reports indicate former UFC champion Chris Weidman will also appear on the same Dallas card.
Chimaev brings significant freestyle wrestling credentials to RAF, not just a crossover appeal. Prior to his UFC success, he achieved Swedish national titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018 across various weight classes after relocating to Sweden.
The exact date for Chimaev’s RAF debut remains undisclosed, with more details expected soon. Given his upcoming UFC title defense on May 9, his wrestling appearance is likely to occur after that commitment, unless RAF strategically places him later in their 2026 calendar.
Chimaev joins a growing list of notable figures associated with RAF, including Arman Tsarukyan, Urijah Faber, Colby Covington, Gable Steveson, and Chris Weidman. The addition of an active UFC champion like Chimaev represents a significant coup for the promotion.
English Translation:
UFC Champion Khamzat Chimaev Signs With RAF
Khamzat Chimaev is adding another avenue to his combat sports career. Real American Freestyle (RAF) announced live during RAF08 on April 18 in Philadelphia that the undefeated UFC middleweight champion has joined the promotion. His debut opponent and event details are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The announcement, made during the RAF08 broadcast at the Liacouras Center, underscores RAF’s commitment to drawing in crossover talent from MMA and wrestling to expand its fanbase.
Chimaev’s fighting style, rooted in pressure wrestling, control, and physical dominance, has been a key factor in his perfect 15-0 MMA record and his capture of the UFC middleweight title. His first UFC title defense is slated for May 9 against former champion Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in Newark.
For RAF, this is a major signing as the promotion seeks to establish itself as a hub for elite athletes outside of traditional wrestling pipelines. RAF is recognized as the first unscripted professional freestyle wrestling league and has outlined an aggressive event schedule. Following RAF08 on April 18 in Philadelphia, RAF09 is planned for May 30 in Dallas, and RAF10 for June 13 in St. Louis.
Official RAF event listings also confirm Gable Steveson’s debut for RAF09 against Alexandr Romanov. Additionally, external reports suggest that former UFC champion Chris Weidman is also booked for his first RAF appearance on the same Dallas card.
Chimaev possesses genuine freestyle wrestling credentials from his time in Sweden before his MMA ascent. His competitive record includes Swedish national titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018 at different weight classes.
The date for Chimaev’s RAF debut has not yet been set, with the promotion promising further details soon. Considering his UFC championship defense on May 9, any immediate wrestling match would likely follow this commitment, unless RAF schedules it further into its 2026 calendar.
RAF has already secured the participation of notable names such as Arman Tsarukyan, Urijah Faber, Colby Covington, Gable Steveson, and Chris Weidman, with Chimaev being the most prominent active UFC champion to join their roster.
