Khamzat Chimaev vs Jorge Masvidal grappling match reportedly set for Dubai on 4 December

Khamzat Chimaev will reportedly face Jorge Masvidal in a submission-only grappling match on 4 December at The Agenda in Dubai, as the headline bout of the first ALF League event, Sherdog reported on 2 November. ALF League announced the pairing on Sunday, according to MMA Fighting, but then deleted its social media post, so treat the date as provisional until the promotion confirms it again.

Chimaev's busy month in the Gulf

The Masvidal match would come just 20 days after Chimaev headlines RAF Abu Dhabi on 14 November against Colby Covington in a freestyle wrestling bout (our RAF Abu Dhabi preview).

Since losing his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland by split decision at UFC 328 in May, Chimaev has taken his wrestling to Real American Freestyle, where he has faced Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley, Gilbert Burns and Robbie Lawler.

Where Masvidal stands

Masvidal, the former UFC welterweight contender, has not fought in MMA since 2023. His last outing was a boxing match in July 2024, which he lost on points to Nate Diaz. A submission-only format suits Chimaev, one of the best wrestlers and grapplers in MMA, and the match would be Masvidal's first competitive appearance in more than two years.

Pakistan time

Dubai is one hour behind Pakistan, so an evening main event at 10pm in Dubai would start around 11pm PKT on Friday 4 December. Start times have not been announced. For the UFC's own fights this month and their Pakistan start times, see our UFC schedule in Pakistan time.