Khamzat Chimaev Takes the Mat: A Look at His Move to RAF Ahead of UFC 328

Chimaev's Big Announcement

“Borz” is back on the mats. Tonight, during RAF 08 at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennslyvania, the Real American Freestyle (RAF) made headlines by announcing that current UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev has officially joined their ranks.

Unfolding a New Chapter Before Title Defense

Chimaev's debut opponent and the event details are still under wraps, set to be disclosed in the coming weeks. This signing is particularly interesting considering Chimaev is just a month away from defending his title against his heated rival Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9.

A Historical Perspective

Before he was rag-dolling contenders in the Octagon, Chimaev was establishing his dominance in the wrestling sphere. After relocating to Sweden, he quickly became a national icon in wrestling, capturing three consecutive Swedish Freestyle National Championships. Winning gold at 86kg in consecutive years (2016 and 2017) and moving up to 92kg in 2018, he finished with a jaw-dropping record of 12-0, with a combined score of 105-2.

The Dominant Grappler

This track record showcased the suffocating style that we now associate with him in mixed martial arts. However, wrestling alone was not the entirety of his success; he also honed his skills in judo and combat sambo, giving him a well-rounded grappling aptitude.

Potential Opponents in RAF

Now that Chimaev is set to join RAF, the landscape of wrestling competition is about to get much more exciting. Whether it's fellow UFC fighters crossing over or high-level NCAA champions, the matchups are tantalizing.

Community Response

Social media has lit up about the announcement, with fans and analysts speculating about what this move means for Chimaev's career. A recent tweet from RAFWrestlingUSA has the wrestling community buzzing - “The Wolf is coming to RAF.”

The Wolf is coming to RAF. pic.twitter.com/F1niSf7osV
— Real American Freestyle (@RAFWrestlingUSA) April 19, 2026

Looking Ahead

As he gears up for UFC 328, the addition of Chimaev to RAF will undoubtedly stir up a competitive atmosphere. The wrestling competition coupled with impending title defense sets the stage for a fascinating journey for one of the sport's most dynamic athletes.

Stay tuned for more updates and developments as they unfold. We'll continue to provide the latest insights on both Chimaev's wrestling endeavors and upcoming UFC matchups.

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