Khamzat Chimaev to Face Jorge Masvidal in Grappling Bout at ALF League Debut

Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is set to return to combat sports action outside of MMA to close out the year. ALF League announced that Chimaev will face veteran contender Jorge Masvidal in a submission-only grappling match on Dec. 4 at The Agenda in Dubai, headlining the promotion's inaugural event.

The matchup marks Chimaev's sixth non-MMA appearance since dropping the UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland. Chimaev has built an active grappling resume under the RAF banner, securing victories over former UFC champions Robbie Lawler and Tyron Woodley, perennial welterweight contender Gilbert Burns, and Dillon Danis. Before meeting Masvidal, Chimaev is scheduled to headline RAF Abu Dhabi in a wrestling bout against Colby Covington on Nov. 14.

Masvidal has also maintained an active combat sports presence since his last UFC appearance in 2023. "Gamebred" previously competed in a professional boxing match against Nate Diaz in July 2024, which he lost via decision, and has continued to tease a potential return to the UFC octagon.