Arman Tsarukyan Shuts Down Talks of Jealousy After Khamzat Chimaev Signs with RAF

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan reveals why Khamzat Chimaev signing with RAF will not affect him.

Arman Tsarukyan Shuts Down Talks of Jealousy After Khamzat Chimaev Signs with RAF

Khamzat Chimaev and Arman Tsarukyan (via Instagram)

In Short
  • Khamzat Chimaev has signed with RAF, enhancing his reputation as a dominant wrestler in MMA.
  • Arman Tsarukyan states that Chimaev's signing does not impact his own career trajectory as he focuses on building his profile.
  • Chimaev is offering $200,000 for any Olympic wrestler who can last through a sparring session with him.

Khamzat Chimaev has firmly established himself as one of the most dominant wrestlers in MMA, a reputation reinforced by his undefeated record. His relentless grappling and control have consistently set him apart from his peers. These attributes have made him an ideal athlete for RAF. His longtime teammate and RAF star, Arman Tsarukyan, has explained why the signing does not affect his position.

Tsarukyan has been on a strong PR run since missing out on a UFC interim title fight opportunity at UFC 324. Since that setback, he has rebuilt momentum by collaborating with top influencers and streamers, expanding his visibility beyond the cage. He has also competed in wrestling tournaments around the world since May 2025 under banners such as ADXC and ACBJJ, but has seemed to find a base under RAF.

Tsarukyan recently headlined RAF 08 in a main event against former UFC champion Urijah Faber. The Armenian star secured a dominant win via tech fall, boosting his momentum in RAF. During the broadcast, a video montage announced Khamzat Chimaev’s signing to the promotion. Tsarukyan recently revealed why the development does not significantly affect his trajectory.

For some fighters, of course, it’s a downside. Khamzat is a problem for them [RAF]. For me, it’s normal because I’m building my profile — I’m not a champion yet. For Khamzat, he’s a superstar, what difference does it even make [competing in RAF]?

Arman Tsarukyan via Adam Zubayraev

Chimaev and Tsarukyan first crossed paths on a Russian TV show where they were placed on opposing teams and shared a friendly scrap, showing their respectful dynamic. Before that, Tsarukyan had revealed plans to reach out to ‘Borz’ for help in preparing for his title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 to sharpen his wrestling. Since then, the two have regularly featured in each other’s training camps.

Their connection became most visible at UFC 319, where Tsarukyan was in Chimaev’s corner as the Chechen star delivered one of the most dominant grappling displays in UFC history to win the middleweight title. The roles were later reversed when Chimaev was in Tsarukyan’s corner for his UFC comeback win against Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in November 2025, reinforcing their growing friendship.

However, both fighters are now closely knit and actively training together as Khamzat Chimaev prepares for his UFC 328 middleweight title defense against Sean Strickland. The pair have been splitting camps in California, alternating between Treigning Lab and Santo Studio. Arman Tsarukyan’s recent comments underscore just how close their partnership has become during this stage of their careers.

Khamzat Chimaev challenges any Olympic wrestler to spar with a unique stipulation

Ever since Khamzat Chimaev’s signing with RAF became public, several fighters and elite wrestlers have begun calling for the chance to face the Chechen champion. Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder, who has already secured two wins under the RAF banner, is among those linked to the growing attention. Chimaev has also been called out by UFC middleweight Bo Nickal, adding early intrigue to his RAF presence.

Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev (via Instagram)

Chimaev’s training sessions are widely regarded as extremely intense, with their grind helping shape him into the fighter he is today. His relentless pressure and grappling have set a high standard in MMA circles. UFC stars such as Khalil Rountree Jr. have acknowledged the demanding trials of just sparring with him. In response, Chimaev has issued a challenge aimed at testing every wrestler stepping up to him.

Poor wrestlers started throwing challenges my way. I’m having trouble finding sparring partners, waiting for any Olympic champion to step up for sparring. If he survives, I’ll give him 200 thousand dollars.

Khamzat Chimaev via X

Nickal has been chasing a clash with Chimaev for a long time, with their potential matchup repeatedly generating interest but never actually materializing. The American wrestling standout has also hinted at wanting to compete against ‘Borz’ under the RAF banner, adding another possible layer to their ongoing rivalry. This scenario could ultimately set up Khamzat Chimaev’s first official match under RAF.

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