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Exclusive: Khamzat scored RAF 15 title fight because timid Colby Covington turned down UFC’s most polarizing champion

Colby Covington had the opportunity to settle his longstanding rivalry with Sean Strickland on the wrestling mats. Instead, “Chaos” walked away over 10 pounds. Real American Freestyle (RAF) officially announced earlier today that Khamzat Chimaev will challenge Covington for the…

By Alexander Behunin · Yahoo

Published: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 9:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Khamzat Chimaev secured an RAF title match against Colby Covington after Covington turned down Sean Strickland.
Colby Covington reportedly walked away from wrestling UFC champion Sean Strickland over a 10-pound weight discrepancy.
Chimaev and Covington are scheduled to headline the RAF Abu Dhabi crossover event in November.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Khamzat Chimaev earned an RAF crossover title fight against Colby Covington after Covington declined a wrestling match against UFC champion Sean Strickland. According to the report, Covington had the opportunity to settle his feud with Strickland on the mats but walked away over a 10-pound discrepancy.

Following the decision, Chimaev stepped in to face Covington in a headlining title matchup scheduled for an upcoming RAF event in Abu Dhabi in November. The bout marks the first official combat sports meeting between the long-time rivals after years of public feuding.

Read the full article on Yahoo

Exclusive: Khamzat scored RAF 15 title fight because timid Colby Covington turned down UFC’s most polarizing champion

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