Khamzat Chimaev issues $200k challenge to Olympic champions after RAF move

TL;DR

Khamzat Chimaev has signed with Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling promotion, marking his crossover from MMA. He has also issued a $200,000 challenge to Olympic champions.

Key points

Khamzat Chimaev signed with Real American Freestyle
He issued a $200,000 challenge to Olympic champions
The signing occurred on April 18
RAF is a new wrestling promotion in the U.S.
It aims to bring elite fighters into a competitive format

Mentioned in this story

Real American FreestyleKhamzat Chimaev

Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC

Khamzat Chimaev has taken another step outside the UFC as his profile continues to grow across combat sports.

The middleweight champion officially signed with Real American Freestyle, a rapidly emerging wrestling promotion in the United States.

The deal was confirmed on Saturday, 18 April, marking a significant crossover move for one of MMA’s most dominant figures. RAF has been attracting attention by bringing elite-level fighters and wrestlers into a new competitive format.

Just a day later, ‘Borz’ made his presence felt with a bold message on X. His post immediately drew attention, targeting some of the most accomplished athletes in wrestling.

Khamzat Chimaev issues $200k challenge to Olympic champions

Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images

Chimaev addressed Olympic-level wrestlers directly in a statement that underlined his confidence ahead of any potential crossover bouts.

He wrote: “Poor wrestlers started challenging me. I have problems finding sparring partners. I’m waiting for any Olympic champion to spar. If he survives, I’ll give him $200,000.”

Despite the RAF signing, his immediate focus remains on the UFC. Chimaev is in the closing stages of his training camp to fight Sean Strickland.

The two are set to meet on 9 May at UFC 328, meaning any appearance in RAF is unlikely in the coming weeks, as he prioritises preparation for that bout.

Bo Nickal responds after Khamzat Chimaev RAF announcement

Chimaev’s comments appear to have been influenced by reactions from within the wrestling and MMA communities.

Bo Nickal, a three-time NCAA champion and current UFC middleweight, was among those to respond publicly after the RAF deal was announced.

Q&A

What is Khamzat Chimaev's challenge to Olympic champions?

Khamzat Chimaev has issued a challenge worth $200,000 to Olympic champions after signing with Real American Freestyle.

When did Khamzat Chimaev sign with Real American Freestyle?

Khamzat Chimaev officially signed with Real American Freestyle on April 18.

What is Real American Freestyle and why is it significant?

Real American Freestyle is a rapidly emerging wrestling promotion in the U.S. that aims to attract elite fighters and wrestlers into a new competitive format.