Colby Covington Takes RAF Cruiserweight Crown

Victory Over Top Lightweights

Colby Covington captured the inaugural RAF cruiserweight championship at RAF 11, held in Milwaukee on Saturday. The 38‑year‑old wrestler secured a 5‑3 decision over top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, ending Tsarukyan’s seven‑match unbeaten streak with the promotion. Covington’s win kept his own wrestling streak intact and marked a significant moment in his post‑UFC career.

Previous RAF Opponents

• Chris Weidman (former UFC middleweight champion)
• Luke Rockhold (former UFC middleweight champion)
• Dillon Danis (Misfits MMA champion)

Why This Win Matters

Covington’s previous three RAF foes were considerably larger than Tsarukyan, setting up a distinct size contrast in the Cruiserweight clash. Despite the disadvantage, Tsarukyan displayed remarkable strength, lifting Covington from the mat on one occasion and maintaining a high‑tempo offensive throughout the match. The bout came down to the final seconds, with Covington prevailing after a hard‑fought contest.

Why This Win Matters

In a candid interview on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Covington reflected on the significance of beating a fighter who has dominated the UFC lightweight division. He noted that many had written him off and praised Tsarukyan’s skill, calling the victory a validation of years of grinding and perseverance. Covington also mentioned the honor of sharing the mat with a world‑class competitor and silencing the doubters who doubted his comeback.

Tension With Belal Muhammad

After the duel, tempers flared when Belal Muhammad, who had just defeated Ben Askren at the same event, confronted Covington at the post‑fight press conference. Muhammad delivered a push kick, prompting Covington to label the act a “sucker kick” and a “cheap shot from a coward.” The exchange highlighted the lingering rivalry between the two welterweight prospects.

Covington’s Thoughts on Muhammad

Covington dismissed Muhammad’s win over Askren as underwhelming, describing the result as “awful” and suggesting the victory was largely due to Askren’s fading energy. He claimed the fight would be the easiest matchup in RAF history and predicted a tech fall in under 90 seconds if they were to square off. The challenger’s lack of class and sportsmanship became a focal point of his criticism.

Looking Ahead

Looking forward, Covington expressed interest in a rematch with Tsarukyan, noting that both fighters want another showdown. He remained skeptical about a future bout with Muhammad, citing a lack of meaningful reward and the potential for dirty tactics. Covington emphasized his commitment to setting an example for younger wrestlers and using the sport to inspire the next generation.