Chimaev and Covington to headline RAF’s Middle East debut in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai: Khamzat Chimaev will take on Colby Covington in the headline contest of Real American Freestyle’s (RAF) inaugural Middle East event, with the former UFC stars set to battle for the Cruiserweight Crossover Championship.
According to a press release, the event will be held at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on November 14. Chimaev, who has competed under the UAE flag since 2023, will have the opportunity to perform in front of a home crowd when he faces Covington, a two-time NCAA All-American wrestler and former UFC interim welterweight champion.
Both fighters will enter the contest with unbeaten RAF records. Chimaev is 3-0 in the promotion following victories over Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns, with his most recent win coming at RAF 13. Covington, meanwhile, holds a 5-0 RAF record after defeating Luke Rockhold, Danis, Chris Weidman, Arman Tsarukyan and Belal Muhammad.
The bout brings together two prominent former UFC competitors. Chimaev previously held the UFC middleweight championship, while Covington captured the interim welterweight title in 2018. Covington is also the inaugural RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Champion and will put his title on the line against Chimaev in Abu Dhabi.
Several other leading names from wrestling and combat sports are scheduled to compete at the event, including Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sadulaev. Their opponents are expected to be announced at a later date.
The Abu Dhabi event will also mark the beginning of a five-year partnership between RAF, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the UAE Wrestling Federation.
The Middle East debut follows previous RAF events in Tbilisi and Moscow as the promotion continues to expand its international presence.
