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Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington to Clash for Title at RAF Abu Dhabi in November

Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington Set to Face Off in November

After years of exchanging words from a distance, Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington are finally scheduled to meet inside the cage. Their showdown will headline Real American Freestyle's (RAF) first event in Abu Dhabi on November 14, with Covington defending his cruiserweight crossover title at the Etihad Arena.

Covington’s Rise in RAF

Colby Covington has found a new arena that suits his fighting style well. Once an interim UFC welterweight champion and a three-time UFC title contender, Covington boasts a perfect 5-0 record in RAF this year. His path to the cruiserweight crossover crown involved beating notable fighters such as Luke Rockhold, Dillon Danis, and Chris Weidman consecutively. In July, he captured the inaugural cruiserweight crossover belt by defeating Arman Tsarukyan.

Most recently, Covington successfully defended his title with a dominant 10-0 victory over former UFC welterweight champ Belal Muhammad at RAF 13 earlier this month.

Chimaev’s Swift Success in RAF

Khamzat Chimaev, formerly a UFC middleweight champion, is enjoying similar success in RAF. He made a strong statement by finishing Dillon Danis in just 45 seconds during his debut in June. Then, he defeated former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in 94 seconds at RAF Moscow.

Long-Awaited Rivalry Comes to Life

The rivalry between Chimaev and Covington dates back to 2020 when Chimaev entered the UFC. They have thrown verbal jabs for years without settling it in the cage—until now. This title fight promises to be a true test for both men.

Additional RAF Abu Dhabi Matches Announced

Besides the headliner, RAF revealed other big names for its Abu Dhabi event, including Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder, and Abdulrashid Sadulaev. However, their opponents have yet to be confirmed.

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

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