Real American Freestyle (RAF) has announced the signing of reigning UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev (15-0-0).
Chimaev is slated to defend his middleweight belt against former champion Sean Strickland on May 9 at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey. Reports suggest Chimaev will likely compete in the RAF Cruiserweight division, although the promotion has not yet identified an opponent or a specific date for Chimaev’s first appearance. Chimaev has a wrestling background, having secured three gold medals at the Swedish Freestyle National Championships (86kg in 2015 and 2016; 92kg in 2018). Chimaev is the latest UFC fighter to sign with RAF, following the likes of Merab Dvalishvili, Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington.