Chimaev Headlines RAF Abu Dhabi In Five-Year Deal

Real American Freestyle has locked in a five-year deal with Abu Dhabi to stage annual wrestling events at Etihad Arena, with the inaugural card set for Nov. 14 featuring former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, MMA Mania reports.

The agreement brings Chimaev back to the emirate where he now trains, alongside fellow UFC fighters Arman Tsarukyan and Henry Cejudo. Wrestling standouts Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder, and Abdulrashid Sadulaev round out the announced roster for the debut show.

RAF CEO Chad Bronstein said the move represents the promotion's global ambitions. "Abu Dhabi is one of the premier destinations for combat sports, with the vision and infrastructure to deliver events that resonate globally," Bronstein told the outlet. "This five-year partnership gives us the opportunity to make RAF Abu Dhabi a signature event and build something meaningful for athletes, fans and the region for years to come."

The Abu Dhabi announcement comes ahead of RAF 14 on Oct. 3 in Las Vegas, where Tsarukyan faces Dillon Danis for the promotion's crossover title. That card also features Michael Page against Alexander Shlemenko at cruiserweight and Burroughs versus Michael Caliendo at middleweight.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, confirmed the partnership reflects the emirate's push to host more combat sports properties. The Nov. 14 show marks RAF's first event outside North America since launching its wrestling-MMA hybrid format in 2024.