Khamzat Chimaev to Face Colby Covington in RAF Abu Dhabi Title Bout This November
Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington Set for Title Clash at RAF Abu Dhabi
The long-standing rivalry between Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington is about to reach a boiling point. After years of exchanging verbal jabs from a distance, the two fighters will finally meet in the cage. Their showdown is scheduled to headline the first-ever Real American Freestyle (RAF) event in Abu Dhabi on November 14, where Covington will defend his RAF cruiserweight crossover title against Chimaev at the Etihad Arena.
Covington’s Journey Under RAF Banner
Colby Covington, boasting an undefeated 5-0 record in RAF competition, has carved out a dominant path since joining the promotion. The former UFC interim welterweight champion and three-time UFC title contender has secured five straight wins throughout 2026. His victories include impressive wins over notable fighters like Luke Rockhold, Dillon Danis, and Chris Weidman. In July, Covington captured the inaugural cruiserweight crossover title by defeating Arman Tsarukyan.
His latest performance was a commanding 10-0 victory against former UFC welterweight champ Belal Muhammad earlier this month at RAF 13, marking his first successful defense of the belt.
Chimaev’s Rise Within RAF
Khamzat Chimaev, once the UFC middleweight champion, has also made a strong statement in RAF. Making his debut in June, he dispatched Dillon Danis in just 45 seconds. Chimaev followed up with another quick finish, taking down ex-UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in 94 seconds at RAF Moscow, maintaining an unbeaten 2-0 record in the promotion.
The Long-Awaited Showdown
The tension between Covington and Chimaev dates back to 2020, the year Chimaev entered the UFC. They have exchanged barbs and challenges ever since, but this upcoming fight marks their first direct confrontation. Fans are eager to see how these two fierce competitors will test each other inside the cage.
Additional RAF Abu Dhabi Matchups
Alongside the main event, RAF has announced that stars like Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder, and Abdulrashid Sadulaev will also compete at the Abu Dhabi event. However, their opponents have yet to be revealed.
- Event: RAF Abu Dhabi
- Date: November 14, 2026
- Location: Etihad Arena
- Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington for RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Title
- Covington Record in RAF: 5-0
- Chimaev Record in RAF: 2-0
- Covington’s Notable Wins: Luke Rockhold, Dillon Danis, Chris Weidman, Arman Tsarukyan, Belal Muhammad
- Chimaev’s Notable Wins: Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley
