Breaking news! UFC champion Khamzat Chimaev signs with wrestling organization.

Chimaev promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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RAF shocked the world by making a bombshell announcement last Saturday (18). During its eighth event, in Philadelphia (USA), the wrestling organization officially announced the signing of Khamzat Chimaev , middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) and combat sports star, in a multi-fight deal.

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It's true that the Russian still doesn't know when or against whom he will make his UFC debut, but he's already becoming one of the top fighters in 'Real American Freestyle'. The expectation is that Chimaev will make his first appearance in the company soon after defending his middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 , scheduled for May 9th.

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Furthermore, RAF is growing rapidly and gaining strength in the scene precisely because of its partnership with Dana White's company. It's worth noting that Chimaev isn't the only big name in the UFC or who stood out in the octagon to compete in the new league. As a wrestling specialist, 'Borz' has everything it takes to shine and be dominant in his second home in combat sports as well.

UFC stars at RAF

Khamzat Chimaev is not the first UFC star to sign with RAF, and he won't be the last. The Russian now joins Aljamain Sterling , Arman Tsarukyan , Belal Muhammad , Bo Nickal , Chris Weidman , Colby Covington , Gable Stevenson , Henry Cejudo , Luke Rockhold , Merab Dvalishvili , Michael Chandler , and Yoel Romero , among others.

Chimaev's fighters in MMA

Khamzat Chimaev , 31, is one of the best and most fearsome MMA fighters today. The Russian began his career in the sport in 2018, debuted in the UFC in 2020, and became middleweight champion in 2025. Before that, 'Borz' also excelled in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg). In that division, the athlete fought 15 times and won all of them, 12 by stoppage (six by knockout and six by submission). His main victories were over Dricus du Plessis , Gilbert Burns , Kamaru Usman , and Robert Whittaker.

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