Khamzat Chimaev signs for RAF Wrestling debut weeks out from UFC 328 fight with Sean Strickland

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Khamzat Chimaev signs for RAF Wrestling debut weeks out from UFC 328 fight with Sean Strickland

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Apr 19, 2026 1:30 AM ET

Khamzat Chimaev has inked a deal to compete on the RAF Wrestling mat, it was announced tonight in Philadelphia.

UFC middleweight champion Chimaev is about to defend his belt against Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 at Prudential Center in Newark. And he has already agreed to compete again soon after, confirming a plan to join his pal Arman Tsarukyan on the mats.

No opponent or bout date was confirmed, likely due to the uncertainty surrounding how his fight with Strickland will play out. But RAF09 and RAF10 have been confirmed for Dallas and St Louis respectively, and both land after the May 9 date in New Jersey.

Khamzat Chimaev joins RAF Wrestling for return to the mats

During tonight’s RAF08 broadcast in Philadelphia, there were a number of teases about a big surprise announcement. And just before Tsarukyan did battle with Urijah Faber in a match that ended up being dangerously aggressive, it was confirmed that Khamzat Chimaev had signed with the promotion.

Chimaev has been an interested observer for months, watching on from home as Tsarukyan racks up victories and grows his brand while waiting for a UFC fight. And he clearly has gotten the bug as he confirmed a deal to compete on future RAF Wrestling shows.

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It remains to be seen who Chimaev will compete against given his pedigree and the UFC’s insistence that active fighters don’t match up with each other. But there will surely be a long line of people looking to get involved against one of the biggest names in MMA.

A statement from the promotion to Bloody Elbow about the signing read: “Chimaev’s standout wrestling base has allowed him to physically dominate opponents en route to a 15-0 record in MMA.

“He previously competed in freestyle wrestling in Sweden and was undefeated across two Swedish Freestyle National Championships. The signing continues to leave no doubt that RAF is the premier destination for the world’s best combat athletes to compete in previously impossible matchups.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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