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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.
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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 MMAās most dominant figures. RAF has been attracting attention by bringing elite-level fighters and wrestlers into a new competitive format.
Just a day later, āBorzā made his presence felt with a bold message on X. His post immediately drew attention, targeting some of the most accomplished athletes in wrestling.
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: āPoor wrestlers started challenging me. I have problems finding sparring partners. Iām waiting for any Olympic champion to spar. If he survives, Iāll give him $200,000.ā
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.
Chimaevās 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.
Khamzat Chimaev has issued a challenge worth $200,000 to Olympic champions after signing with Real American Freestyle.
Khamzat Chimaev officially signed with Real American Freestyle on April 18.
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.

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He wrote on X: āKhamzat signing with RAF, that is very exciting. Letās run it.ā
Nickalās message is widely seen as one of the call-outs that prompted Chimaevās $200,000 challenge.
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