Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington Headlines Historic Real American Freestyle Debut in Abu Dhabi

Real American Freestyle (RAF) is set to make its highly anticipated debut in the Middle East this month, with the UAE's own Khamzat Chimaev headlining the inaugural event in Abu Dhabi. RAF distinguishes itself as the premier unscripted professional freestyle wrestling league, uniting Olympic champions, world medalists, NCAA standouts, and top MMA crossover athletes within a contemporary fight-night spectacle.

The arrival of RAF Abu Dhabi signifies the commencement of a significant five-year collaboration between Real American Freestyle, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and the UAE Wrestling Federation. This venture follows successful international events previously held by RAF in Tbilisi, Georgia, and Moscow.

The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 14, at the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

In the main event, the UAE star Khamzat Chimaev will challenge former UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington for the American's Cruiserweight Crossover Championship. Chimaev, a formidable grappler and former UFC middleweight champion, remains undefeated in freestyle wrestling and aims to extend his winning streak to 28 against Covington. He has featured prominently on three RAF cards this year, including a swift 44-second pinfall victory over Dillon Danis at RAF 10 in June. Following that bout, a significant altercation erupted post-match involving members of both teams, a scenario Covington has suggested could be replicated in Abu Dhabi.

The rivalry between Chimaev and Covington, which originated during their time in the UFC without a formal MMA bout, has intensified considerably leading up to their Abu Dhabi showdown. Covington, who retired from MMA in May, has been vocal in his criticism of Chimaev, asserting that the UAE fighter has been unduly favored. Covington expressed confidence in his ability to outlast Chimaev, stating, “I think I would break Khamzat. He doesn't have the cardio to keep up with me. I will bring those quitter tendencies out of him.” Chimaev, in response, has downplayed Covington as an “easy fight” and vowed to inflict significant damage, remarking he can “break his neck, finally.” The UAE athlete also commented on Covington's complaints about defending his title outside the US, suggesting the American would “need an ambulance” to leave the arena.

Beyond the headline bout, RAF Abu Dhabi boasts a compelling undercard. Arman Tsarukyan is slated to face Neiman Gracie in a catchweight crossover match. Tsarukyan, currently the No. 1 contender in the UFC's lightweight division with an 11-2 record in the organization, carries an impressive 8-1 record in RAF, including six technical fall victories. He will face Gracie, a three-time World BJJ bronze medalist from Brazil. Former UFC bantamweight title contender Umar Nurmagomedov has also been confirmed for the card, set to compete against Uriah Faber, a former MMA champion and founder of Team Alpha Male, in Faber's third RAF appearance.

Additional exciting matchups include American Kyle Dake defending his cruiserweight championship against Turkmenistan’s Alp Arslan Begenjov, and Kennedy Blades putting her women’s middleweight title on the line against fellow American Bella Mir. Russia’s Zabit Magomedsharipov will face Giga Chikadze of Georgia in a welterweight crossover bout, while Team USA Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs meets Belarusian Azamat Nurykau in a middleweight contest. Reigning RAF light heavyweight champion Kyle Snyder is also scheduled to compete against Shamil Erdogan.

The event will also feature the RAF debuts of four Arab athletes at the Etihad Arena: Bahrain’s Hamza Kooheji and Murtaza Talha, Jordan’s Ali Al Qaisi, and Egypt’s Osama Elsaidy.

Tickets for RAF Abu Dhabi are available for purchase at and ticketmaster.ae, with prices starting from Dh95.