Undefeated UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is expanding his combat sports presence by signing with Real American Freestyle (RAF). The announcement was made during RAF08 on April 18th in Philadelphia. His debut opponent and event details are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
The signing was confirmed during the RAF08 broadcast at the Liacouras Center, signaling RAF’s continued strategy of attracting well-known figures from MMA and wrestling to broaden its audience base.
Chimaev’s fighting style, characterized by relentless pressure wrestling, control, and physical dominance, has been instrumental in his 15-0 MMA record and his UFC middleweight title. His next UFC title defense is scheduled for May 9th against Sean Strickland at UFC 319.
For RAF, this is a significant addition to its roster as the promotion aims to establish itself as a premier destination for elite athletes beyond traditional wrestling circuits. RAF operates as the first unscripted professional freestyle wrestling league, demonstrating an ambitious event schedule with RAF08 held on April 18th, RAF09 slated for May 30th in Dallas, and RAF10 scheduled for June 13th in St. Louis.
Further underscoring this trend, RAF has confirmed Gable Steveson’s debut at RAF09 against Alexandr Romanov. Reports also indicate that former UFC champion Chris Weidman is set to make his RAF debut on the same Dallas card.
Khamzat Chimaev brings substantial freestyle wrestling credentials to RAF. Prior to his MMA success, he achieved Swedish national titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018 at various weight classes after relocating to Sweden.
Details regarding Chimaev’s RAF debut are yet to be announced. Given his upcoming UFC title defense on May 9th, his wrestling appearances would likely occur after this commitment, or be scheduled later in RAF’s 2026 calendar.
RAF has previously announced signings and appearances from 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 ranks.