Overview
- Chimaev’s deal, revealed Saturday during the RAF08 broadcast, confirms his next competition will include a return to the wrestling mat.
- He remains booked to defend the UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland on May 9 at UFC 328.
- RAF, or Real American Freestyle, has events set for May 30 in Dallas and June 13 in St. Louis, with reports pointing to a likely debut at RAF10 after UFC 328.
- RAF touted his 15-0 MMA record and his run through Sweden’s freestyle national championships to frame the signing.
- The announcement drew fresh debate about UFC fighter pay, and Olympic champion Kyle Snyder told MMA Fighting he would welcome a match with Chimaev.