Colby Covington vs. Khamzat Chimaev Set for RAF Abu Dhabi Main Event

Colby Covington is set to put his RAF cruiserweight crossover title on the line against Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of RAF Abu Dhabi on Nov. 14 at Etihad Arena. Promotional officials confirmed the championship booking to MMA Fighting.

Covington captured the promotion's cruiserweight crossover belt with a points victory over Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 11 in July. He followed that up earlier this month with a successful title defense, securing a first-period tech fall win over Muhammad. Following that victory, Covington told MMA Fighting that Chimaev needs to be careful what he wishes for.

Chimaev was already slated to headline the Abu Dhabi event, but now enters a title showdown against Covington. In his most recent outing, "Borz" defeated former UFC opponent Gilbert Burns via tech fall at RAF 13. Before stepping into the cage in Abu Dhabi, Chimaev is scheduled to compete two weeks earlier against Robbie Lawler in the co-main event of RAF 14 in Las Vegas.

RAF's debut in Abu Dhabi is also set to feature Tsarukyan against an opponent to be announced at a later date. Elite wrestlers and mixed martial artists Jordan Burroughs, Henry Cejudo, and Kyle Snyder are also scheduled to compete on the card.