Khamzat Chimaev to headline RAF Abu Dhabi debut on Nov. 14

Real American Freestyle (RAF) has announced a five-year partnership with Abu Dhabi that will bring the promotion's debut Middle East event to the emirate on November 14 at Etihad Arena. Khamzat Chimaev, the Swedish combat athlete and former UFC middleweight title challenger, will headline the card.

The Abu Dhabi show marks RAF's third international event in its inaugural year, following cards in Tbilisi and Moscow. The promotion has positioned Abu Dhabi as a recurring stop on its expanding global calendar, signaling ambitions to establish the region as a key market for wrestling and crossover combat sports.

Beyond Chimaev, the card will feature several Olympic and world champions. Arman Tsarukyan (MMA), Henry Cejudo (MMA), Jordan Burroughs (wrestling), Kyle Snyder (wrestling), and Abdulrashid Sadulaev (wrestling) are confirmed for the event, though their specific opponents remain unannounced. Chimaev's opponent is also still to be revealed.

Since joining RAF, Chimaev has competed against Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley in Moscow, and Gilbert Burns at RAF 13, becoming a marquee crossover attraction for the promotion. The Abu Dhabi card promises a blend of Olympic champions, NCAA standouts, and MMA athletes, with additional matchups and details to be announced in coming weeks.