Khamzat Chimaev is back to seeking more activity and is even willing to try his hand at a different sport to make it happen.
That’s according to Chael Sonnen, who was present at RAF08 on Saturday when the news broke that the UFC middleweight champion had signed with the promotion. He’s set to appear after his first title defense against Sean Strickland at UFC 328.
When Chimaev entered the UFC in 2020, he made headlines by fighting in two different weight classes within a week. But more recently, a mix of health issues, weight problems and visa complications has limited him to just one fight per year – sometimes even less.
Khamzat Chimaev’s hunger for competition impresses Chael Sonnen
Few people have been more vocal in their support of RAF Wrestling than Chael Sonnen, a former All American and two-time UFC title challenger. He’s genuinely excited about having Chimaev involved, especially given his status as one of the sport’s most recognisable names.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Sonnen said that Chimaev had been presented with several potential opponents for his RAF Wrestling debut after the Strickland bout—and that he accepted every single name put forward.
“Chimaev will take on anybody, and it’s very difficult to find somebody like that,” Sonnen explained in a gushing video. “To find a reigning, sitting world champion who doesn’t need the money, doesn’t need the attention, and still finds somebody who likes to compete so much that he’s going into a different organization just for a chance to compete.”
Sonnen was speaking after it was confirmed by promotion founder Ziad Al Shami at RAF08 on Saturday night in Orlando that Khamzat had signed with RAF Wrestling. There are suggestions he may end up facing Olympic gold medalist and reigning champion Kyle Snyder when he eventually makes his bow inside the organization.
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