Khamzat Chimaev Plans UFC Title Defense and Wrestling Return After Sean Strickland Clash
UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is looking forward to a busy timetable, as he will first defend his title against Sean Strickland in May, and is also planning a competitive wrestling comeback soon after. Chimaev officially competed in Real American Freestyle (RAF) on RAF 8 on Saturday, indicating his desire to compete in both MMA and wrestling competitions in the future.
Wrestling Roots To MMA Stardom
Even though Chimaev has come to be known in great detail regarding his prowess in mixed martial arts, his career in combat sports started on wrestling mats. He competed in several wrestling tournaments after moving to Sweden and established a good competitive background before finally changing his mind to MMA.
Khamzat did not pursue a full-time career in international wrestling; instead, he chose to transition into professional fighting, which quickly elevated him to global prominence. Ever since he switched his entire focus to MMA, he has emerged as one of the most dominant and popular fighters in the UFC, known for maintaining relentless pressure and an aggressive fighting style.
Unbeaten Run To UFC Gold
Chimaev has a perfect professional history of 15-0, nine of which were within the UFC. It culminated in his becoming a champion as he dominated Dricus du Plessis in August and won the UFC middleweight title. Today, he will fight against the belt in the main event of UFC 328 on May 9 against Sean Strickland. No matter what the result of his next title defence will be, it is likely that Khamzat will get back into the wrestling ring in the name of the RAF, where several high-profile matches may be in store.
There is even an interest in his possible opponents after the Olympic gold medalist, Kyle Snyder, expressed openness to a possible matchup. Snyder has watched some of Khamzat’s wrestling matches, and he thinks Chimaev is a competitor. He also said that Chimaev is as good as some of the fighters, like Arman Tsarukyan. Chimaev and Arman Tsarukyan are both very good at wrestling. Snyder thinks it would be really interesting to see Chimaev fight someone like that.
RAF 2026 Schedule
Real American Freestyle (RAF) has maintained its 2026 plans and has many marquee events scheduled throughout the United States. RAF 09 will be held in Dallas, Texas, on May 30, 2026, and will likely host some of the biggest names like Gable Steveson and Chris Weidman.
The promotion will proceed to St. Louis, Missouri, on June 13, 2026, where RAF 10 will be promoted, but the entire fight lineup has not been announced. In late 2026, RAF 12 will be held on Aug. 22, 2026, as the first anniversary event of the promotion in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, and a massive card will be promoted to celebrate the occasion.
An Exciting Future
Chimaev has a fight coming up to defend his UFC title, and he is also going to wrestle again soon. Because of this, many are talking about Chimaev and his upcoming fights. People are very excited to see Chimaev fight, whether it is in the UFC or in a wrestling match.
Chimaev remains undefeated, with many considering him one of the sport’s top athletes and eagerly anticipating what he can achieve next.
For More Great Content
For more in-depth updates and engaging stories on MMA, wrestling, and boxing, be sure to follow me on X (Twitter). Regular updates covering the latest developments, breaking news, and key moments across all three sports will be shared, keeping you informed with the current landscape and ongoing stories.
