Khamzat Chimaev set to challenge Colby Covington for RAF Cruiserweight Crossover title

Real American Freestyle (RAF) has confirmed that Khamzat Chimaev will challenge current champion Colby Covington for the promotion’s Cruiserweight Crossover title. The championship bout is scheduled to take place on November 14, 2026, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Reports indicate that RAF previously explored a matchup between Covington and UFC Middleweight champion Sean Strickland for an October 23 event in Las Vegas. Negotiations for that bout stalled due to a 10-pound weight discrepancy, as Strickland requested a 200-pound catchweight while Covington insisted on 190 pounds.

Covington maintains an undefeated record across five RAF appearances, including title wins over Arman Tsarukyan and Belal Muhammad. Chimaev currently holds a 3-0 record on the RAF mats and is also scheduled to face Robbie Lawler in Las Vegas prior to the title match.