Kenya Sport

Khamzat Chimaev to Face Colby Covington in RAF Abu Dhabi Title Bout This November

Chimaev and Covington Set for Title Clash at RAF Abu Dhabi

The long-standing rivalry between Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington will reach a new peak this November. The two fighters are scheduled to headline the Real American Freestyle (RAF) event in Abu Dhabi, where Covington will defend his RAF cruiserweight crossover championship against Chimaev on November 14 at the Etihad Arena.

Covington's Run in RAF

Colby Covington, with a perfect 5-0 record in RAF, has adapted well since joining the promotion. The former UFC interim welterweight champion and three-time UFC title challenger has claimed five straight wins in 2026. His victories include triumphs over notable MMA figures such as Luke Rockhold, Dillon Danis, and Chris Weidman. In July, he secured the first-ever cruiserweight crossover title by defeating Arman Tsarukyan. Most recently, Covington defended his belt with a dominant 10-0 victory against ex-UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad earlier this month at RAF 13.

Chimaev’s Swift Success

Khamzat Chimaev, also a former UFC middleweight champion, has impressed with a 2-0 record in RAF. His debut came in June with a quick 45-second knockout of Dillon Danis, followed by a 94-second win over former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley at RAF Moscow.

Years of Rivalry Lead to High-Stakes Matchup

The tension between Chimaev and Covington dates back to 2020 when Chimaev entered the UFC. Over the years, they have exchanged verbal jabs from a distance. Now, the two will finally face off in the octagon to settle their rivalry once and for all.

Additional RAF Abu Dhabi Fight Card Highlights

Besides the main event, RAF announced other fights featuring big names such as Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder, and Abdulrashid Sadulaev. The opponents for these fighters have not been disclosed yet.

  • Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington – RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Title Match
  • Covington's RAF Record: 5-0 in 2026
  • Notable Victories by Covington: Luke Rockhold, Dillon Danis, Chris Weidman, Arman Tsarukyan, Belal Muhammad
  • Chimaev's RAF Record: 2-0
  • Chimaev's RAF Wins: Dillon Danis (45 seconds), Tyron Woodley (94 seconds)
  • Event Date: November 14, 2026
  • Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi

Related Articles