COVINGTON OBJECTS TO CHIMAEV FIGHT BEING HELD IN ABU DHABI

Colby Covington has said he is unhappy that his Real American Freestyle wrestling match against Khamzat Chimaev will take place in Abu Dhabi rather than in the United States. Covington made the comments in an interview with Ariel Helwani, arguing that the promotion is based in America and should therefore hold the event there. The bout is scheduled for 14 November at RAF Abu Dhabi. Covington described himself as the American Champion and the first Cruiserweight Crossover Champion in RAF's history. He said he regards himself as the leading draw for the promotion's wrestling division.

Covington last competed in mixed martial arts in December 2024 and announced his retirement from the UFC in May. He is a former interim UFC welterweight champion. Since leaving MMA, he has moved into professional wrestling through Real American Freestyle and said he has become one of the promotion's most prominent competitors. He contrasted his own commitment to the company with that of Chimaev, a former UFC middleweight champion, saying Chimaev is treating the move as a "cash grab" rather than investing in the promotion's growth. Covington said he holds an equity stake in Real American Freestyle.

Covington said he wants to see Real American Freestyle grow into what he called a billion-dollar company, and said he would prefer future bouts to be held on American soil. He also said he was not surprised that Chimaev lost to Sean Strickland at UFC 328, saying Chimaev lacks what he described as the heart of a fighter. No further details on potential venue changes for future RAF events have been confirmed. The Abu Dhabi event against Chimaev remains scheduled to proceed as planned on 14 November.