Colby Covington has emerged as a standout competitor in the Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling promotion and is now eyeing a high-profile match against Khamzat Chimaev. Covington, who has quickly become a fan favorite, is currently undefeated in RAF, boasting a record of 4-0 since joining the organization earlier this year.
The RAF, which has been gaining traction in the combat sports landscape since its inception a year and a half ago, features a mix of both current and former UFC fighters. Covington, known for his relentless fighting style and charisma, has secured victories against notable opponents, including former UFC champions Luke Rockhold and Chris Weidman, as well as Dillon Danis and the previously undefeated Arman Tsarukyan.
As Covington prepares to defend his unbeaten record against Belal Muhammad later this month, he is already setting his sights on a potential clash with Chimaev. Currently, Chimaev holds a 1-0 record in RAF and has made waves with his impressive wrestling skills, which he has honed throughout his combat sports career. The prospect of a matchup between these two unbeaten fighters is generating significant interest among fans and could lead to a major event if both continue their winning streaks.
However, Covington has made it clear that he has specific conditions for a potential fight with Chimaev. "Yeah, definitely [there’s a chance I fight Chimaev]," Covington stated. "It’s the matchup the fans want. I’ve always wanted this matchup for a long time. We were supposed to cross paths at one point in the UFC, but he was unprofessional. He couldn’t make the weight, and he went up a weight class. So, that fight never transpired. But it makes a lot of sense for RAF, but I’m not going to accommodate his weight. I’m not going to [accommodate to] his bogus demands. He’s going to have to come to a fair weight class for me."
Throughout his mixed martial arts career, Covington has competed primarily at 170 pounds, while Chimaev has fluctuated between welterweight and middleweight, with speculation about a potential move to light heavyweight. Covington is unwilling to engage in a wrestling match against an opponent who may have a significant weight advantage, insisting on a strict weight limit if the fight were to occur.
"185. I think that’s a fair weight class. You know, what he fights [at] in the UFC. Just come down. He used to fight at 170, so it shouldn’t be too hard making the weight," Covington explained. He further emphasized that he is not willing to compromise his own weight class for the sake of the matchup, stating, "I’m not going to give up 30 pounds to a guy. It just doesn’t make sense."
Despite the weight concerns, Covington remains committed to delivering exciting matchups for his fans. "I want the biggest and best matchups. I’m the people’s champ. I want to give the people what they want. If the people want it and the interest is there, then, of course, I’m going to come out and do that matchup. It doesn’t matter if it’s David vs. Goliath. It can be whatever it needs to be. But if the people want this, the people will get it," he concluded.
Leave a Comment