Chimaev headlines Real American Freestyle's Abu Dhabi debut as promotion seals five-year UAE deal

Khamzat Chimaev will headline Real American Freestyle’s debut event in Abu Dhabi on November 14 at Etihad Arena, the promotion confirmed on September 21. The card is underpinned by a five-year partnership between RAF, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and the UAE Wrestling Federation.

Chimaev’s opponent has yet to be named, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks. He will be joined on the card by a high-profile lineup that includes Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Olympic wrestling champions Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder, and Abdulrashid Sadulaev — though none of their matchups have been confirmed either.

The former UFC middleweight champion has established himself as one of RAF’s marquee crossover draws since joining the promotion. He made his RAF debut against Dillon Danis, then competed against Tyron Woodley in Moscow before facing Gilbert Burns at RAF 13.

The Abu Dhabi show will be RAF’s third international event in its first year of operation, following cards in Tbilisi and Moscow. The new agreement is designed to make Abu Dhabi a permanent fixture on the promotion’s global calendar.

“From day one, our ambition has been to bring RAF to the world’s great sports markets, and there is no better place for this next chapter than Abu Dhabi,” said RAF CEO and co-founder Chad Bronstein. “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 November 14 card is billed as a blend of Olympic champions, world champions, NCAA standouts, and crossover athletes from wrestling and MMA. Further matchups and event details are expected to be announced in the weeks ahead.