Chimaev vs. Covington to Headline RAF Abu Dhabi Event

Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington Set for Title Clash at RAF Abu Dhabi

The long-standing rivalry between Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington will finally reach its peak when they face off in a title match. This bout is scheduled to headline Real American Freestyle's (RAF) debut event in Abu Dhabi on November 14, hosted at the Etihad Arena.

Covington, who holds a perfect 5-0 record in RAF competition, will put his cruiserweight crossover championship on the line against Chimaev. The former UFC interim welterweight champion and three-time UFC title challenger has made a strong impact in RAF throughout 2026, securing victories over notable fighters including Luke Rockhold, Dillon Danis, and Chris Weidman. He claimed the inaugural cruiserweight crossover title by defeating Arman Tsarukyan in July and recently defended it convincingly with a 10-0 win over ex-UFC welterweight champ Belal Muhammad at RAF 13 earlier this month.

Chimaev, a former UFC middleweight champion, has also impressed since joining RAF. In his debut, he defeated Danis in just 45 seconds and followed that with a 94-second stoppage of former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley during RAF Moscow.

The two fighters have exchanged words for years, dating back to Chimaev's UFC debut in 2020, but this upcoming fight will be their first chance to settle the score in the cage.

Additional RAF Abu Dhabi Matches Announced

Alongside the headliner, RAF has revealed other exciting names scheduled to compete in Abu Dhabi, including Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder, and Abdulrashid Sadulaev. The details about their opponents remain undisclosed at this time.

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