TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 14: Colby Covington prepares to face Joaquin Buckley in a welterweight bout at UFC Fight Night on December 14, 2024 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Colby Covington plays against Khamza Chimaev at RAF in Abu Dhabi.
“Chaos” was set to compete this Saturday, November 14, at Real American Freestyle’s grand debut in the UAE, but the former UFC interim lightweight champion was forced to withdraw due to an undisclosed injury. He will be replaced by former UFC middleweight champion and two-time NCAA Division I All-American Chris Weidman.
The news was announced by the RAF this morning.
Covington was in action just last weekend (Nov. 7, 2026) with a 40-second stoppage over Raul Rosas Jr. at the HYPE Fighting Championship event in Rome. (see it here).
“I just came out a little slow,” Colby said after the loss. “I’m doing jiu-jitsu for the first time in years. Every setback is a good opportunity to come back. Next time I’ll raise my hand.”
It won’t be against Khamzat Chimaev in Abu Dhabi.
Still on the card: Frank Mir’s daughter Bella Mir takes on the ultra-tough Kennedy Blades, Zabit Magomedsharipov vs. Gaga Chikadze, Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Urijah Faber and Arman Tsarukyan vs. Neiman Gracie.