Chimaev vs Covington Set to Headline RAF Abu Dhabi on November 14

Real American Freestyle has set the main event for its Abu Dhabi debut. Khamzat Chimaev will wrestle Colby Covington for the RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Championship at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with the card scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. local time (GST). The league announced the matchup on September 29.

Neither man has lost in RAF. Chimaev, a former UFC middleweight champion who competes under the UAE flag, is 3-0 in the league after wins over Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns, and will have a home crowd behind him in Abu Dhabi. Covington, a two-time NCAA All-American and former interim UFC welterweight champion, is 5-0 with victories over Luke Rockhold, Danis, Chris Weidman, Arman Tsarukyan and Belal Muhammad. The event also kicks off a five-year partnership between RAF, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the UAE Wrestling Federation.

The rest of the card is still taking shape: Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sadulaev are confirmed, with opponents yet to be announced. Khamzat Chimaev tickets for RAF Abu Dhabi are on sale now.