Khamzat Chimaev's recent signing with the RAF (Russian Armed Forces) wrestling team isn't just a side project—it could be the first step toward an unprecedented Olympic dream. The UFC middleweight champion, who defends his title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9, is exploring a path no fighter has ever taken: competing for an Olympic medal after winning UFC gold.

According to Chimaev's coach, Alan "Finfou" Nascimento, the Chechen-born fighter—now a UAE citizen—could target the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "Maybe with these wrestling camps he can make the national team and even try for the Olympics," Nascimento told MMA Fighting. "It's been part of his dream since he was a kid. He started in wrestling, then moved into MMA, but I see it as a long-standing passion, a childhood dream."

The challenge is monumental. Only 20 athletes have ever fought in the UFC after competing in the Olympics; Chimaev would be the first to attempt the reverse. Qualifying for the Games would require him to win major tournaments representing the UAE, all while maintaining his UFC title reign. But Nascimento isn't backing down from the challenge. "If you can reach that level in MMA, I believe that in anything else, if you really want it and it's your dream, no sacrifice will feel too big," he said.

For now, Chimaev's immediate focus is on Strickland at UFC 328. But with training alongside two-time Olympic gold medalist Abdulrashid Sadulaev, the wrestling world is watching closely. RAF has yet to announce his debut match, but one thing is clear: Chimaev's ambition knows no bounds—inside the Octagon or on the mat.