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RAF Abu Dhabi – Khamzat Chimaev vs Colby Covington is here. The duo will finally share the same competitive stage, but not inside the UFC Octagon. Real American Freestyle has officially announced Chimaev vs. Covington for the RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Championship at its Abu Dhabi event on November 14. The matchup will headline RAF’s first event in the Middle East at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
The announcement brings together two former UFC champions who have spent years connected through the MMA world. Covington currently holds the RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Championship, while Chimaev has quickly established himself as one of the promotion’s leading crossover stars.
The Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington matchup was also confirmed by RAF on September 29, following weeks of speculation surrounding Chimaev’s opponent for the Abu Dhabi event.
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington Set for RAF Gold
Covington will enter the contest as the reigning RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Champion. The former UFC interim welterweight champion won the title against Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 11 in July. He then successfully defended the championship against Belal Muhammad at RAF 13 earlier this month, earning a first period technical fall victory.
Chimaev has also made an immediate impact since joining RAF. The former UFC middleweight champion has competed against several familiar MMA names on the wrestling circuit, including Dillon Danis and Tyron Woodley. His most recent RAF appearance saw him defeat Gilbert Burns at RAF 13. MMA Fighting reported that Chimaev is now 3-0 in the promotion.
Chimaev is also scheduled to compete against former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler at RAF 14 in Las Vegas on October 24, less than three weeks before the Abu Dhabi event.
😳 Colby says he will ‘break’ Khamzat Chimaev if they wrestle at the right weight class, ranks him below Kamaru Usman:
“Chimaev got taken down by Gilbert Burns, a BJJ specialist. And Gilbert got smoked by Belal Muhammad, and look at what I did to him.”
“Chimaev would just be a bigger guy, we would just have to do it at the weight that makes sense. I am not just gonna give him 30 lbs on me.”
🎥 @MMAFullMount— Full Mount MMA (@MMAFullMount) September 23, 2026
A Clash Between Two Different Wrestling Styles
The Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington matchup brings together two athletes with extensive wrestling backgrounds. Chimaev built his reputation in MMA through aggressive wrestling, pressure and control. His ability to close distance and dictate where exchanges take place became a defining part of his UFC career.
Covington has a different background but is equally experienced on the wrestling mat. He was a two time NCAA All American and has used his pace and chain wrestling throughout his combat sports career. The two athletes will now compete under RAF rules rather than MMA rules.
That distinction is important. There will be no striking, submissions or traditional MMA exchanges when Chimaev and Covington meet. The matchup instead places their wrestling skills directly against each other, with the RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Championship at stake.
Chimaev’s Abu Dhabi Return Comes With Major Stakes
The event will have particular significance for Chimaev because of his connection to the UAE. Chimaev has represented the UAE since 2023 and has developed a strong following in the country. His participation in RAF’s first Abu Dhabi event gives him an opportunity to compete in front of a familiar audience at Etihad Arena.
The Abu Dhabi event is also part of RAF’s recently established five year partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and the UAE Wrestling Federation. The partnership begins with the November 14 event and is designed to bring RAF’s professional wrestling events to Abu Dhabi over the coming years.
RAF Abu Dhabi Features More Major Combat Sports Names
Chimaev vs. Covington will headline a card that already features several major names from wrestling and MMA.
Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sadulaev are all scheduled to compete at the event. Their individual opponents have not yet been announced.
Tsarukyan’s presence is particularly notable after his previous RAF championship meeting with Covington. Cejudo brings Olympic wrestling credentials and an extensive MMA background, while Burroughs, Snyder and Sadulaev are among the biggest names in international wrestling. The remaining matchups are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
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