Chimaev's RAF Deal Reignites Olympic Wrestling Dream
Khamzat Chimaev partners with RAF to sharpen wrestling, positioning himself as possibly the first UFC champion to pursue Olympic wrestling gold.
Khamzat Chimaev signed with RAF to test his wrestling skills later this year, opening a path toward an Olympic that only 20 UFC fighters have ever attempted — but none while holding championship gold. Chimaev's coach Alan "Finfou" Nascimento told MMA Fighting his protégé could become the first to reverse the typical route, competing for an Olympic medal after claiming UFC gold. The Chechen fighter, who holds United Arab Emirates citizenship, could pursue a spot at the 2028 Olympics through wrestling camps with RAF, representing a career trajectory that defies conventional athlete expectations.
