MMA News

Category: RAF

  • Gable Steveson Shuts Out Alexandr Romanov in RAF Debut

    Gable Steveson Shuts Out Alexandr Romanov in RAF Debut

    About a month-and-a-half before he makes his UFC debut, Gable Steveson found success in his RAF debut, scoring a shutout, technical fall victory over UFC and PFL veteran Alexandr Romanov.

    Steveson’s athleticism proved to be a problem for Romanov, with Steveson using a takedown and turn to quickly rack up a 4-0 lead in the first period. The action was briefly halted after Romanov appeared to suffer an arm injury. Romanov continued the bout, with Steveson up 5-0 at the end of the first.

    Steveson continued his pace into the second, scoring a point on a step-out before adding two more with a takedown. Steveson soon rolled and executed a gutwrench to take a 10-0 win.

    Steveson is a former Olympic and Pan-American Games gold medalist and is the former NCAA All-American and national champion wrestler from the University of Minnesota. Steveson, a protege of Jon Jones, will make his UFC debut at UFC 329 in July, taking on Elisha Ellison.

    Romanov is now 0-2 in RAF. He debuted at RAF 02, losing to Mason Parris.

  • Colby Covington Bests Chris Weidman, Will Face Arman Tsarukyan

    Colby Covington Bests Chris Weidman, Will Face Arman Tsarukyan

    Colby Covington may have recently retired from the UFC, but his run in the RAF continues successfully, defeating Chris Weidman in the RAF 09 co-main event.

    Following the matchup, Covington and Tsarukyan agreed to an RAF battle in the wrestling promotion’s July event in Milwaukee.

    Weidman scored first blood when using Covington’s momentum to score a throw, taking two points. A wild scramble sequence caused a review at the end of the first period, where the officials determined the score to be 4-2 in Weidman’s favor.

    Covington, however, battled right back. His cardio outlasted Weidman’s, with Covington scoring a takedown late in the second to tie the matchup. Weidman then gave up a point when put on the shot clock in the third, and he was unable to score a takedown, giving Covington the win.

    Following the matchup, Covington was given the opportunity to respond to Tsarukyan, who called Covington out following his win earlier in the night. The two agreed to their July bout.

    Covington made his RAF debut at RAF 05, defeating Lance Palmer. He then battled Dillon Danis at RAF 07, dominating in that matchup.

  • Merab Dvalishvili Overwhelms Frankie Edgar For Tech Fall

    Merab Dvalishvili Overwhelms Frankie Edgar For Tech Fall

    While it was a month later than initially planned, Merab Dvalishvili still had a successful debut in RAF, defeating Frankie Edgar at RAF 09.

    Edgar had some success early in the bout, controlling the mat throughout the first period and earning a point on a Dvalishvili shot clock violation. The former UFC bantamweight champion, however, picked things up in the second round, scoring a point when Edgar stepped out of bounds, and adding another two on a takedown.

    Dvalishvili got things out of hand in the third, scoring multiple points through takedowns and exposure points, racking up a 12-1 score for a technical fall victory.

    Dvalishvili was scheduled to make his RAF debut at RAF 08 against Henry Cejudo but injury took Cejudo out of the bout hours before the event was to begin. Dvalishvili used his RAF 09 post-fight interview time to call out Cejudo.

    This marked Edgar’s RAF debut.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Gets Thrown & Pushed But Dominates For Tech Fall

    Arman Tsarukyan Gets Thrown & Pushed But Dominates For Tech Fall

    Arman Tsarukyan continues to be a force to reckon with in RAF, dominating Keelon Jimison for a technical fall victory in the opening bout of RAF 09.

    The bout wasn’t perfect for Tsarukyan, as he let up an early four-point throw to Jimison. Tsarukyan, however, locked in the rest of the way, scoring a takedown and consecutive rolls to quickly rack up points.

    The bout ended in a technical fall after Tsarukyan’s domination on top led to a 16-5 score.

    Tsarukyan called out Colby Covington for his next fight.

    Tsarukyan now improves to 5-0 in RAF. He’s competed in every RAF event in 2026, scoring wins over Lance Palmer, Georgio Poullas (twice), and Urijah Faber prior to tonight’s bout.

    Jimison is now 0-2 in RAF. He made his debut at RAF 02, losing to Cayden Henschel.

  • RAF 09 Results: Steveson vs. Romanov

    RAF 09 Results: Steveson vs. Romanov

    RAF 09 results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. The main event will feature the RAF debut of Gable Steveson as he takes on Alexandr Romanov. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Gable Steveson vs. Alexandr Romanov – Heavyweight Main Event

    Steveson won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the Olympic Games in Tokyo and is a former multiple-time NCAA-Division I All-American and heavyweight champion from the University of Minnesota. Since then, Steveson has had an unsuccessful stint with the WWE and an unsuccessful tryout with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. He will make his UFC debut at UFC 329 in July.

    Romanov competed in the UFC from 2020 to 2024. He has since signed with the PFL, making it to the finals of last year’s Heavyweight World Yournament before losing to Oleg Popov. Romanov fought at PFL Chicago in April, submitting Rodrigo Nascimento. Romanov made his RAF debut at RAF 02, losing to Mason Parris.

    The co-main event will feature Colby Covington taking on Chris Weidman.

    Covington, who recently announced his UFC retirement, is 2-0 so far in RAF, defeating Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis. Weidman, the soon-to-be UFC Hall of Famer, makes his RAF debut tonight. He last competed in the UFC at UFC 310, losing to Eryk Anders.

    How to Watch RAF 09

    • Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
    • Venue: College Park Center, Arlington, Texas
    • Streaming: FOX Nation (Exclusive)
    • Start Time: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT

    RAF 09 Results & Highlights

    Full Card Results (FOX Nation, 8 PM ET)

    Middleweight: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Keelon Jimison

    Result: Arman Tsarukyan def. Keelon Jimison via technical fall (16-5)

    Women’s Catchweight (125 lbs): Lucia Yepez vs. Cameron Guerin

    Result: Lucia Yepez def. Cameron Guerin via technical fall (10-0)

    Lightweight: Ridge Lovett vs. Bajrang Punia

    Result: Ridge Lovett def. Bajrang Punia via decision (13-8)

    Lightweight: Zain Rutherford vs. Antrell Taylor

    Result: Zain Rutherford def. Antrell Taylor via decision (8-0)

    Middleweight: Christopher Minto vs. Jason Nolf

    Result: Jason Nolf def. Christopher Minto via decision (8-5)

    Cruiserweight: Parker Keckeisen vs. Georgios Kougioumtsidis

    Result: Parker Keckeisen def. Georgious Kougioumtsidis via decision (10-5)

    Featherweight Championship: Ibragim Ilyasov vs. Real Woods

    Result: Real Woods def. Ibragim Ilyasov via fall (2:11)

    Lightweight: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Frankie Edgar

    Result: Merab Dvalishvili def. Frankie Edgar via technical fall (12-1)

    Light Heavyweight Championship: Kyle Snyder vs. Givi Matcharashvili

    Result: Kyle Snyder def. Givi Matcharashvili via technical fall (10-0)

    Catchweight (200 lbs): Colby Covington vs. Chris Weidman

    Result: Colby Covington def. Chris Weidman via decision (5-4)

    Heavyweight: Gable Steveson vs. Alexander Romanov

    Result: Gable Steveson def. Alexander Romanov via technical fall (10-0)

  • Chris Weidman Says Colby Covington Is In For A Rude Awakening At RAF 09

    Chris Weidman says Colby Covington is in for a rude awakening when they meet in the co-main event of RAF 09 on Saturday in Dallas, arguing that his wrestling credentials far exceed those of Covington’s previous opponents.

    Speaking to MMA Junkie Radio, Weidman acknowledged Covington’s skills while making clear he sees himself as a significant step up in competition.

    “I watched his two matches that he had with Rockhold and Dillon Danis. He has a decent single leg. I think he’s tough. He was a great wrestler when he was competing, and I think he’s a goer, and I’m a goer, as well. I love putting a pace on and trying to get guys tired and break them. He’s tough. He’s 2-0. I will say I don’t think Dillon Danis and Luke Rockhold are on my level respectfully in terms of wrestling at all. So, I do think I’m a big step up in competition for him, and I appreciate him calling me out and wanting a tougher challenge.”

    Weidman said he does not concede any clear advantage to Covington, including speed.

    “I don’t know if I even give him the speed advantage. I think I’m pretty speedy when it comes to wrestling, but I’ll have to showcase that. His advantages? I don’t know. I don’t know what he’s planning on doing. I think it’s an uphill battle for him to be honest. It’s definitely a tough one. I just hope he doesn’t stall the whole time and run away from me. If he wrestles with me, I think it’s going to be really tough for him. I’m big, I’m strong, I’m good in a lot of different positions in wrestling. I have a lot of freestyle experience. I was a multiple-time All-American in freestyle and also Greco in high school, then I was training for the Olympics in 2008.”

    Weidman is making his RAF debut in the bout. Covington enters 2-0 in the promotion following wins over Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Books Surprise June 13 Return Against Polarizing MMA Star After UFC 328 Defeat

    Khamzat Chimaev Books Surprise June 13 Return Against Polarizing MMA Star After UFC 328 Defeat

    Khamzat Chimaev isnā€™t wasting any time getting back into competition after suffering the first loss of his professional MMA career at UFC 328.

    Just days after dropping the middleweight title to Sean Strickland in a grueling five-round battle, Chimaev already has his next matchup booked, though it wonā€™t take place inside the Octagon.

    Instead, “Borz” will return to the wrestling mats next month as part of Real American Freestyleā€™s upcoming RAF 10 event in St. Louis.

    The matchup marks Chimaevā€™s promotional debut for RAF and his first official wrestling appearance in several years.

    His opponent will be none other than Dillon Danis, the controversial grappling specialist and longtime combat sports agitator who recently competed under the RAF banner against former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington.

    Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dillon Danis Booked For RAF 10

    RAF officially announced the matchup on Tuesday, confirming the bout will headline RAF 10 on June 13 at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri.

    The event comes less than a week after “Borz” lost a split decision to Strickland at UFC 328, ending both his undefeated MMA streak and his short-lived middleweight title reign.

    While the Chechen star remains focused on eventually reclaiming UFC gold, the RAF appearance gives him an opportunity to stay active without immediately jumping back into another brutal MMA training camp.

    It also potentially signals the beginning of his long-rumored move to light heavyweight. Chimaev has openly discussed being finished with difficult middleweight weight cuts, and competing in a heavier wrestling matchup could serve as a transition toward a future UFC run at 205 pounds.

    Danis, meanwhile, enters the matchup looking to rebound after losing to Covington via technical fall during his RAF debut earlier this year. Once viewed as one of the elite grapplers in the sport, Danis initially rose to prominence as a training partner of Conor McGregor before building his own polarizing reputation through MMA, boxing, and social media controversies.

    RAF 10 will also feature additional high-profile names, including Tony Ferguson vs. Arman Tsarukyan and Aaron Pico vs. Lance Palmer.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Reveals RAF Pays Nearly as Much as UFC

    Arman Tsarukyan Reveals RAF Pays Nearly as Much as UFC

    Arman Tsarukyan has revealed that Real American Freestyle is paying him nearly as much as his UFC purses, a remarkable disclosure about a wrestling promotion that has been operating for less than a year.

    Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Tsarukyan confirmed the financial parity when asked directly whether RAF payments are approaching his Octagon earnings.

    “Yes,” he said. “It’s the best. But I still enjoy fighting.”

    Despite the lucrative outside opportunities, Tsarukyan was clear that MMA remains his priority.

    “I don’t like cutting weight, but I enjoy fighting. So fights excite me more than RAF. UFC, for me, is more exciting.”

    Tsarukyan last competed in the UFC at UFC Qatar in November 2025, submitting Dan Hooker to extend his winning streak to five fights. Since being passed over for an interim title shot at UFC 311 in January, he has competed six more times outside the Octagon, recording wins in RAF over Lance Palmer, Georgio Poullas, and Urijah Faber, as well as a submission grappling victory over Muhammad Mokaev.

    His most recent RAF appearance at RAF08 in Philadelphia saw him drive Faber off the edge of the mat and onto the concrete floor during their match. It was the latest in a series of incidents that have accompanied Tsarukyan’s outside-UFC activity, which also included a brawl at RAF06 and being removed from an American Airlines flight.

    Regarding his UFC return, Tsarukyan said he has received positive assurances from the promotion. According to him, UFC executive Hunter Campbell promised he would compete for a title by the end of summer 2026.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Dominates Urijah Faber In Technical Fall

    Arman Tsarukyan Dominates Urijah Faber In Technical Fall

    Arman Tsarukyan once again showed why he’s one of the top talents in RAF, not making his bout with Urijah Faber — which served as the RAF 08 main event — even close to being competitive.

    Tsarukyan completely dominated the first period, scoring a takedown and two exposures of Faber, getting his shoulders to the mat and racking up eight points in lightning-quick fashion.

    An aggressive takedown attempt saw Tsarukyan push himself and Faber not just off the mat but also over the announcers’ table. Each man was awarded a point.

    In the third, Tsarukyan landed a double-leg takedown and ended the bout with a technical fall.

    Tsarukyan then called out Colby Covington, with the two having a staredown after the bout.

    Tsarukyan is now 4-0 in RAF, making his debut at RAF 05 in January with a win over Lance Palmer before his infamous two bouts with Georgio Poullas.

    Faber faced Cejudo at RAF 06, losing by technical fall.

    This bout was promoted to the main event after Henry Cejudo withdrew on the day of RAF 08, citing an injury, causing his bout with Merab Dvalishvili to be canceled.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Signs To Compete In RAF

    Khamzat Chimaev Signs To Compete In RAF

    UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev will be able to use his grappling skills in a new kind of environment, as Chimaev has signed a deal to compete with RAF.

    RAF announced Chimaev’s signing during the RAF 08 broadcast on April 18.

    No opponent, event, or date for Chimaev was named during the announcement.

    Chimaev began wrestling as a youth, going on to win a national youth title in Russia.

    Chimaev won three gold medals in freestyle wrestling at Swedish Nationals. He also holds a win over Jack Hermansson in wrestling.

    Chimaev is scheduled to defend his UFC middleweight championship on May 9 against former champ Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328.

  • Henry Cejudo Out Of RAF 08 Main Event vs Merab Dvalishvili, Arman Tsarukyan vs Urijah Faber Promoted To Top Spot

    Henry Cejudo Out Of RAF 08 Main Event vs Merab Dvalishvili, Arman Tsarukyan vs Urijah Faber Promoted To Top Spot

    Henry Cejudo has been forced out of the main event at RAF 08 after suffering a last-minute injury, scrapping his scheduled rematch with Merab Dvalishvili.

    The bout was set to headline the Real American Freestyle card at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, where Cejudo was expected to face Dvalishvili in a wrestling-based contest following their previous meeting under the UFC banner.

    However, the promotion confirmed the matchup has been canceled on short notice due to Cejudoā€™s withdrawal.

    “Triple C” had appeared in good spirits during the pre-fight press conference, even exchanging light verbal jabs with the former UFC bantamweight titleholder just a day before the event. The exact nature of his injury has not been disclosed, and there is currently no word on whether the matchup will be rescheduled.

    The cancellation marks a setback for RAF, which had positioned the rematch as one of the cardā€™s key attractions. The two fighters previously met at UFC 298 in 2024, with “The Machine” earning a unanimous decision victory on his way to capturing UFC gold.

    With the former two-division UFC champion sidelined, Arman Tsarukyan now steps into the headlining spot against veteran Urijah Faber. Tsarukyan enters the bout in strong form, having gone unbeaten in his appearances under the RAF banner this year.

    The co-main event will feature Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder taking on Rizabek Aitmukhan as the promotion reshuffles its lineup just hours before fight night.

  • RAF 08 Results: Cejudo vs. Dvalishvili

    RAF 08 Results: Cejudo vs. Dvalishvili

    UPDATE: Henry Cejudo has withdrawn from tonight’s main event. Urijah Faber vs. Arman Tsarukyan has been promoted from co-main event to main event.

    RAF 08 results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The main event will feature a middleweight matchup between Urijah Faber and Arman Tsarukyan. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Urijah Faber vs. Arman Tsarukyan – Middleweight Main Event

    The originally scheduled main event would have seen the RAF debut of Merab Dvalishvili, taking on Henry Cejudo. The two had competed at UFC 298, with Dvalishvili taking a clear decision win.

    Cejudo, however, has withdrawn from tonight’s event due to an injury.

    Since 2021, Faber, the UFC Hall of Famer, has competed in various Combat Grappling and wrestling tournaments. Tsarukyan competed in the main event of RAF 07, defeating Georgio Poullas in their highly anticipated and heated rematch from RAF 06 — where the two got into a post-match altercation.

    The RAF light heavyweight title will be on the line tonight when Kyle Snyder defends against Rizabek Aitmukhan, and Helen Maroulis defends the RAF women’s flyweight title against Alexis Janiak.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from RAF 08!

    How to Watch RAF 08

    • Date:Ā Saturday, April 18, 2026
    • Venue: Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    • Streaming: FOX Nation (Exclusive)
    • Start Time: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT

    RAF 08 Results & Highlights

    Full Card Results (FOX Nation, 8 PM ET)

    Lightweight Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo

    Result: BOUT CANCELED DUE TO CEJUDO INJURY

    Middleweight Main Event: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Urijah Faber

    Result: Arman Tsarukyan def. Urijah Faber via technical fall (13-1)

    RAF Light Heavyweight Championship Co-Main Event: Kyle Snyder vs. Rizabek Aitmukhan

    Result: Kyle Snyder def. Rizabek Aitmukhan via points (12-6)

    Cruiserweight: Zahid Valencia vs. Aeoden Sinclair

    Result: Zahid Valencia def. Aeoden Sinclair via points (8-2)

    Heavyweight: Anthony Cassioppi vs. Shamil Sharipov

    Result: Shamil Sharipov def. Anthony Cassioppi via pin (2:45)

    RAF Women’s Flyweight Championship: Helen Maroulis vs. Alexis Janiak

    Result: Helen Maroulis def. Alexis Janiak via technical fall (10-0)

    Featherweight: Real Woods vs. Anthony Ashnault

    Result: Real Woods def. Anthony Ashnault via points (7-2)

    Middleweight: Jason Nolf vs. Joey Blaze

    Result: Jason Nolf def. Joey Blaze via points (11-2)

    Featherweight: Vladimer Khinchegashvili vs. Johnni DiJulius

    Result: Vladimer Khinchegashvili vs. Johnni DiJulius via points (8-5)

    Lightweight: Lance Palmer vs. Cayden Henschel

    Result: Lance Palmer def. Cayden Henschel via points (3-2)

    Featherweight: Jordan Oliver vs. Mike Vanbrill

    Result: Jordan Oliver def. Mike Vanbrill via points (5-0)

    Bantamweight: Darian Cruz vs. Lucas Byrd

    Result: Lucas Byrd def. Darian Cruz via points (2-2) (Byrd gets tiebreaker by being last to score)

  • RAF 08: Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo Preview, Full Card, How to Watch

    RAF 08: Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo Preview, Full Card, How to Watch

    RAF 08 Card

    RAF 08: Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo takes place Saturday, April 18, from The Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The card begins at 8:00 PM ET and streams exclusively on FOX Nation.

    Real American Freestyle’s Philadelphia card stacks 12 matchups pairing UFC crossover names, Olympic medalists, and recent NCAA standouts.

    Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo Headlines RAF 08

    The main event puts elite UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili on the freestyle mat against former two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo. Cejudo arrives off his 11-0 technical fall win over Urijah Faber at RAF 06, a performance that cemented his status as one of RAFā€™s marquee attractions.

    Dvalishvili is one of the most decorated grapplers on the current UFC roster and a top bantamweight contender. He brings a deep wrestling rƩsumƩ into his Real American Freestyle debut, adding another high-level storyline to the Philadelphia headliner.

    Tsarukyan vs. Faber in Co-Main

    Arman Tsarukyan meets UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber in a featured middleweight bout in the co-main event slot. Tsarukyan is coming off his RAF 07 rematch win over Georgio Poullas, while Faber returns looking to rebound after dropping his RAF debut to Cejudo earlier this year.

    Snyder vs. Aitmukhan at Light Heavyweight

    Kyle Snyder faces Rizabek Aitmukhan of Kazakhstan at light heavyweight. Snyder is an Olympic gold medalist and one of the most credentialed American freestyle wrestlers ever to step onto a pro mat.

    Full Match Card

    • Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo
    • Middleweight (Co-Main): Arman Tsarukyan vs. Urijah Faber
    • Light Heavyweight: Kyle Snyder vs. Rizabek Aitmukhan
    • Cruiserweight: Zahid Valencia vs. Aeoden Sinclair
    • Heavyweight: Anthony Cassioppi vs. Shamil Sharipov
    • Bantamweight: Helen Maroulis vs. Alexis Janiak
    • Featherweight: Real Woods vs. Anthony Ashnault
    • Middleweight (175 lbs): Jason Nolf vs. Joey Blaze
    • Featherweight: Vladimer Khinchegashvili vs. Johnni DiJulius
    • Lightweight: Lance Palmer vs. Cayden Henschel
    • Featherweight: Jordan Oliver vs. Mike Vanbrill
    • Bantamweight (135 lbs): Darian Cruz vs. Lucas Byrd

    Key Undercard Matchups

    The middleweight bout between Jason Nolf and Joey Blaze pits a multi-time NCAA champion against a 2026 NCAA All-American fresh off the college mat. The bantamweight closer between Darian Cruz and Lucas Byrd pairs two past NCAA standouts, with Cruz now representing Puerto Rico internationally.

    How to Watch RAF 08

    • Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 8:00 PM ET
    • Venue: The Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, PA
    • Streaming: FOX Nation (exclusive)

    Looking ahead, Gable Steveson makes his RAF debut against Alexandr Romanov at RAF 09 on May 30 in Dallas.

    Don’t Miss MMA News Coverage

    Stay tuned to MMANews.com for live results, match recaps, and post-event reaction from RAF 08.

  • Gable Steveson Headlines RAF 09 Against UFC Heavyweight Veteran, Colby Covington Faces Chris Weidman In Co-Main Event

    Gable Steveson Headlines RAF 09 Against UFC Heavyweight Veteran, Colby Covington Faces Chris Weidman In Co-Main Event

    Real American Freestyle continues to build momentum with another stacked lineup, as RAF 09 promises a mix of elite wrestling pedigree and recognizable MMA names.

    Set to take place on May 30 at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, the event will be headlined by Gable Steveson’s highly anticipated debut.

    Gable Steveson Set For RAF Debut Against Alexandr Romanov

    The Olympic gold medalist is set to face Alexandr Romanov in his first appearance under the RAF banner. Steveson recently signed a multi-fight deal with the promotion as he continues to balance his transition into mixed martial arts while staying active in wrestling.

    At just 25 years old, Steveson has already generated significant buzz, not only for his decorated amateur background but also for his explosive start in combat sports. He currently holds a 3-0 record in professional MMA and also scored a 15-second knockout win over Billy Swanson at DBX 4 under hybrid rules.

    Meanwhile, Romanov brings significant experience into the matchup, holding a professional record of 21-4. During his time in the UFC, he went 7-3 inside the Octagon before parting ways with the promotion in 2024. He is also scheduled to face Rodrigo Nascimento this weekend at PFL Chicago.

    “King Kong” is no stranger to the RAF either, having made his promotional debut last October at RAF 2, where he suffered a decision loss to Mason Parris.

    Colby Covington vs. Chris Weidman Booked For RAF 09 Co-Main Event

    In the co-main event of RAF 09, Colby Covington will square off against former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman in what marks another high-profile matchup on the card.

    Covington enters the bout with momentum, having already picked up multiple wins under the RAF banner this year. “Chaos” picked a lopsided win over Dillon Danis at RAF 07 last month.

    Meanwhile, Weidman makes his promotional debut after stepping away from active UFC competition, bringing his own credentials as a former champion and accomplished wrestler.

  • Colby Covington Fires Off Challenge To Chris Weidman After One-Sided Win Over Dillon Danis At RAF 07

    Colby Covington Fires Off Challenge To Chris Weidman After One-Sided Win Over Dillon Danis At RAF 07

    Colby Covington showcased his wrestling superiority as he dominated Dillon Danis with a tech fall victory in the RAF 7 co-main event on Saturday.

    The former interim UFC welterweight champion got off to a sluggish start, allowing Danis to tie the first period 4-4. But Covington’s All-American wrestling background took over in the second period as he began systematically breaking down his opponent.

    “Chaos” secured a takedown to open the second period and immediately went to work turning Danis on the mat. The points began accumulating quickly as Covington executed snap downs and go-behinds to build his lead.

    The contest was stopped when Covington led 14-4, earning the tech fall victory. Danis looked disappointed in his performance but left the mats without incident following his unsuccessful RAF debut.

    Following his dominant performance, Covington immediately set his sights on another former UFC middleweight champion for his next RAF appearance.

    “I want Chris Weidman,” Covington shouted after the match. “Let’s find out who the real American is right here on the Real American Freestyle mats. Get off your couch, pack a lunch because it’s go time.”

    The victory marks Colby Covingtonā€™s second win in the wrestling promotion, having previously secured a technical fall over former UFC champion Luke Rockhold at RAF 05 earlier this year.

    The 38-year-old Californian last competed inside the Octagon at UFC Tampa in December 2024, where he suffered a TKO defeat to Joaquin Buckley. ā€œChaosā€ currently holds a 12-5 record in the UFC, with an overall professional tally of 17-5.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Gets Takedown, Wins Feud With Georgio Poullas

    Arman Tsarukyan Gets Takedown, Wins Feud With Georgio Poullas

    The bad blood between Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas has apparently been settled, as Tsarukyan broke free with a huge display in the third period against Georgio Poullas in the RAF 07 main event in Tampa, Florida.

    The two felt each other out early, looking for control early in lockups, with things appearing chippy early. The two were competitive during the first period, with Tsarukyan scoring a point due to Poullas not scoring in the 30-second shot-clock time.

    There was a brief delay to start the second period, as Poullas needed one of his hands wrapped up and toweled off. After about two minutes, the period started. Poullas looked for an underhook but was denied. Poullas was put on shot-clock time again, and while he got a front headlock, he was unable to score again, giving Tsarukyan another point.

    Tsarukyan shot in for a takedown in the closing seconds of the period, but Poullas remained on his feet.

    Tsarukyan scored another point early in the third period, pushing Poullas out of bounds with double-unders. Tsarukyan got a front headlock and scored two points for exposure. Poullas scored a takedown, though Tsarukyan got a push out, bringing the total to 5-3 Tsarukyan after that flurry.

    Poullas needed a takedown, but it was Tsarukyan who got behind Poullas and scored a takedown in the closing seconds, giving him a 9-3 victory.

    Arman Tsarukyan Defeats Georgio Poullas In Rematch At RAF 07

    This was a rematch of their bout from RAF 06. Tsarukyan won that matchup on points as well, but Poullas fouled Tsarukyan during the matchup, prompting the two to have a post-match brawl.

    Tsarukyan is now 3-0 in RAF after making his debut with a win over Lance Palmer at RAF 05.

    Poullas is now 1-2 in RAF, also making his debut at RAF 05 in a technical fall win over Keelon Jimison.

  • Colby Covington Gets Technical Fall Win Over Dillon Danis

    Colby Covington Gets Technical Fall Win Over Dillon Danis

    Dillon Danis put up a strong first period, but Colby Covington’s All-American background took over, scoring a technical fall in the co-main event of RAF 07 in Tampa, Florida.

    Danis looked for a takedown early, but Covington quickly got around him and tripped up Danis. Upon the restart, however, Danis tied things up at two by scoring a takedown. Covington picked up a couple of more points by making Danis step out. Danis, however, landed another takedown and tied the bout at four points apiece.

    Covington got Danis down seconds into the second frame, landing four points pretty quickly. Covington got a front headlock and got behind Danis, bringing him down and scoring another two points.

    Covington continued his second-period domination, scoring another four points to bring the bout to 14-4 in his favor, giving “Chaos” a technical fall win.

    Colby Covington Dominates Dillon Danis In Second Period For Technical Fall Win

    Covington has competed once in RAF, defeating Luke Rockhold, while Danis made his RAF debut tonight.

    Covington has not fought in MMA since losing to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa in December 2024.

    Danis is 3-0 in MMA and the current Misfits MMA light heavyweight champion. Danis, a former training partner of Conor McGregor, also fought Logan Paul in boxing, getting disqualified.

  • RAF 07 Results: Tsarukyan vs. Poullas 2

    RAF 07 Results: Tsarukyan vs. Poullas 2

    RAF 07 results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. The main event will feature a middleweight rematch between Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Arman Tsarukyan vs. Georgio Poullas – Middleweight Main Event

    This will be a rematch from their infamous matchup at RAF 06 one month ago, which saw Tsarukyan win 5-3. Tsarukyan was fouled a number of times by Poullas during the bout, and Tsarukyan responded by shoving Poullas to the ground following the matchup. Officials intervened before the two could come to blows.

    Prior to that matchup, Tsarukyan made his RAF debut at RAF 05, defeating Lance Palmer. He most recently competed against Muhammad Mokaev in a grappling matchup, scoring a submission win. Tsarukyan last fought in MMA in November, defeating Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar.

    Poullas, a freestyle and folkstyle wrestler who competed at Cleveland State University and Rider University, also made his RAF debut at RAF 05, scoring a technical fall over Keelon Jimison.

    The evening’s co-feature bout will feature another bad-blooded rivalry, as, following a recent callout, Colby Covington takes Dillon Danis.

    This will mark the RAF debut for Covington, a former NCAA Division-I All-American in wrestling. Covington hasn’t competed in combat sports since getting stopped by Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Tampa in December 2024.

    Danis will also make his RAF debut tonight. He is a former Pan Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi champion and the current Misfits MMA light heavyweight champion. Danis is 3-0 in MMA and once fought Logan Paul to a DQ loss in boxing.

    RAF 07 will also feature four title fights: Kyle Dake defending the cruiserweight title against Parker Keckeisen, Kyle Snyder and Akhmed Tazhudinov competing for the vacant light heavyweight title, Kennedy Blades facing Milana Dudieva for the women’s middleweight title, and Wyatt Hendrickson defending the heavyweight title against Trent Hillger.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from RAF 07!

    How to Watch RAF 07

    • Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
    • Venue: Yuengling Center, Tampa, Florida
    • Streaming: FOX Nation (Exclusive)
    • Start Time: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT

    RAF 07 Results & Highlights

    Full Card Results (FOX Nation, 8 PM ET)

    Featherweight: Conor Beebe vs. Johnni DiJulius

    Result: Johnni DiJulius def. Conor Beebe via decision (9-6)

    Light Heavyweight: Pat Downey vs. Trent Hidlay

    Result: Trent Hidlay def. Pat Downey via technical fall (12-0)

    Middleweight: Jason Nolf vs. Tajmuraz Salkazanov

    Result: Jason Nolf def. Tajmuraz Salkazanov via technical fall (10-0)

    Cruiserweight: Khidir Saipudinov vs. Aeoden Sinclair

    Result: Aeoden Sinclair def. Khidir Saipudinov via decision (9-4)

    Featherweight: Bo Bassett vs. Vladimer Khinchegashvili

    Result: Bo Bassett def. Vladimer Khinchegashvili via technical fall (13-3)

    Heavyweight Championship: Wyatt Hendrickson vs. Trent Hillger

    Result: Wyatt Hendrickson def. Trent Hillger via decision (6-2)

    Women’s Middleweight Championship: Kennedy Blades vs. Milana Dudieva

    Result: Kennedy Blades def. Milana Dudieva via technical fall (11-0)

    Light Heavyweight Championship: Kyle Snyder vs. Akhmed Tazhudinov

    Result: Kyle Snyder def. Akhmed Tazhudinov via tiebreaker (last man scoring) (3-3)

    Cruiserweight Championship: Kyle Dake vs. Parker Keckeisen

    Result: Kyle Dake def. Parker Keckeisen via decision (7-1)

    Catchweight (200 lbs): Colby Covington vs. Dillon Danis

    Result: Colby Covington def. Dillon Danis via technical fall (14-4)

    Middleweight: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Georgio Poullas

    Result: Arman Tsarukyan def. Georgio Poullas via decision (9-3)

  • Colby Covington Offers Rare Praise For Dillon Danis Before RAF 07 Wrestling Match On March 28: ‘He’s Got The Strength Of 10 Men’

    Colby Covington Offers Rare Praise For Dillon Danis Before RAF 07 Wrestling Match On March 28: ‘He’s Got The Strength Of 10 Men’

    Colby Covington is taking an uncharacteristically restrained approach ahead of his wrestling match against Dillon Danis.

    Covington is set to face Danis in a wrestling bout at RAF 07, serving as the co-main event on March 28 at the Yuengling Center inside the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.

    The former UFC interim welterweight champion is best known for getting under his opponentsā€™ skin and stirring up fans with his often controversial trash talk, which many believe pushes the boundaries. However, ā€œChaosā€ appears to be taking a different approach heading into this contest.

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Covington set aside his usual bravado to give Danis his due, speaking glowingly about the controversial BJJ practitionerā€™s skill set and offering a level of respect that rarely comes from ā€œChaos.ā€

    “He’s a strong guy ā€“ he’s got the strength of 10 men,” Covington said. He fought those 10 Dagestanis last time in that Khabib brawl [at UFC 322], so that’s someone that’s not to be underestimated and to be respected. So I respect Dillon. It’s going to be a great match. He has a lot of combat sports knowledge, a former champion. It’s going to be a great match and I’m excited to get out that on those RAF mats again.

    “I think this match is going to be a battle. He’s been working really hard. He’s been trying to get into UFC and get these big matches. We saw him beat up Logan Paul in boxing so bad that Logan has to sue him. He’s fought 10 guys before, those 10 Dagestanis, so he’s got the strength of 10 men. There’s no handouts on March 28. I’m going to have to earn it the hard way.”

    Colby Covington last competed in MMA at UFC Tampa in December 2024, losing to Joaquin Buckley. He recently defeated former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold at RAF 05.

    Meanwhile, ā€œEl Jefeā€ was last in action at MF & DAZN X Series 22 in August 2025, where he secured the Misfits MMA light heavyweight title with a lightning-fast submission victory over Warren Spencer in just 15 seconds.

  • Colby Covington vs. Dillon Danis Set for RAF 07 on March 28 in Tampa

    Colby Covington vs. Dillon Danis Set for RAF 07 on March 28 in Tampa

    The freestyle wrestling promotion ā€” co-founded by Hulk Hogan and broadcast on Fox Nation ā€” will host the highly anticipated matchup at the Yuengling Center. The event marks RAF’s second Florida stop of 2026, following RAF 05 in January where Covington defeated Luke Rockhold in front of a packed South Florida crowd.

    Covington, a former NCAA Division I All-American and multiple-time UFC welterweight title challenger, has become one of RAF’s marquee attractions. Danis, a Bellator MMA veteran and jiu-jitsu specialist who recently drew attention with a 15-second submission win on the Misfits Boxing card, has been vocal about wanting to expand his combat sports profile.

    The two have traded verbal shots publicly for months, with Covington previously dismissing Danis as someone who could “never get in the UFC”.

    RAF 07 on March 28 is also expected to feature Cruiserweight Champion Kyle Dake defending his title against Parker Keckeisen. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

    RAF 07 Poster
  • Arman Tsarukyan vs. Georgio Poullas Rematch Set For RAF 07

    Arman Tsarukyan vs. Georgio Poullas Rematch Set For RAF 07

    After the chaos that unfolded in the immediate aftermath of their wrestling matchup last weekend, Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas will be running it back sooner than some might have expected.

    A rematch between Tsarukyan and Poullas has been confirmed to headline RAF 07, which takes place on March 28 at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.

    The RAF confirmed the news on their social media channels on March 6.

    The two appeared to be booked for a grappling match in Hype FC Brazil on March 11. Poullas, however, withdrew the bout, claiming not to have signed a written contract and preferring a second encounter to take place in RAF.

    The two competed in a featured contest at RAF 06 on February 28, with Tsarukyan winning the bout 5-3.

    What took place after the bout, however, was the bigger story, as Tsarukyan pushed Poullas down. He was about to throw punches before security and RAF officials got between the two.

    Video footage from the bout showed Poullas landing punches and slaps in close on Tsarukyan, causing the UFC fighter’s team to cry in protest.

    Tsarukyan has shown no remorse for his post-fight actions; meanwhile, Poullas claims to have been the true winner for scoring a true takedown in that contest.

  • Poullas Out of Grappling Match with Tsarukyan, Wants RAF Rematch

    Poullas Out of Grappling Match with Tsarukyan, Wants RAF Rematch

    Less than 24 hours after it was first announced, Georgio Poullas has bowed out of a submission grappling match that was scheduled against Arman Tsarukyan.

    Per Ariel Helwani, with confirmation from RAF executive Chad Bronstein, the grappling contest was scheduled for March 11 at Hype FC Brazil, but Poullas has pulled out.

    Poullas, instead, is pushing for a wrestling rematch with Tsarukyan at an upcoming RAF event.

    During an interview with Helwani earlier in the day, Poullas noted that a contract had not been formally signed for the grappling match with Hype FC Brazil.

    Tsarukyan won the contest at RAF 6 on February 28, scoring a 5-3 win. But the story from that event took place immediately after the match, when an altercation between the two broke out.

    Tsarukyan shoved Poullas down and looked to throw down punches before RAF officials intervened to separate the pair. Tsarukyan has claimed that it was in retaliation to dirty tactics employed by Poullas during the bout, including punches and slaps while in close.

    Video footage showed Tsarukyan’s corner crying foul at Poullas’ actions.

    Tsarukyan expressed no remorse for his actions, while Poullas called Tsarukyan a “little b****” and claimed he was the true winner for scoring a legitimate takedown in the match.

    RAF officials have expressed disappointment that the brawl occrued; however, the promotion has not handed down any punishment toward Tsarukyan or Poullas as of press time.

  • Tsarukyan vs. Poullas Rematch Set for Hype FC Brazil on March 11

    Tsarukyan vs. Poullas Rematch Set for Hype FC Brazil on March 11

    Just days after their heated encounter at RAF 6, Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas are set to run it back. The rematch has been officially announced for Hype FC’s event on March 11 at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    The two will meet in a 10-minute, submission-only grappling match ā€” a format that raises the stakes considerably from their decision-based wrestling bout earlier this week.

    Tsarukyan vs. Poullas Rematch Poster

    Tsarukyan defeated Poullas by decision at RAF 6 on February 28 at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona. The match ended in chaos, however, when Tsarukyan tackled Poullas after the final buzzer, igniting a backstage brawl that had to be broken up by security and both fighters’ teams. Poullas later claimed he was jumped “by like 12 Armenians” in the aftermath.

    Tsarukyan has since expressed no remorse over the incident, and Poullas made his own statement addressing the altercation on social media.

    The Hype FC Brazil card is shaping up to be a major event. Jorge Masvidal is also set to make his return on the same night, and Jean Silva is additionally booked for a submission-only match on the card, though his opponent has yet to be announced.

    Despite the post-match fireworks, Tsarukyan remains in good standing with UFC brass. The Armenian lightweight has reportedly had encouraging conversations with UFC executive Hunter Campbell, with a potential lightweight title shot ā€” or a matchup against the winner of the Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira BMF bout ā€” possibly on the horizon in 2026.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Doubts UFC is Upset with RAF 6 Brawl

    Arman Tsarukyan Doubts UFC is Upset with RAF 6 Brawl

    Arman Tsarukyan has no regrets about the events of his wrestling match and brawl with Georgio Poullas at RAF 6, and he feels many, including the UFC, are on his side.

    Tsarukyan won the contest 5-3 at the event on February 28 at the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona. But the bigger story at hand came in the aftermath, with Tsarukyan and Poullas needing to be separated after a physical altercation following the final whistle.

    Though Tsarukyan started the post-fight kerfuffle with a shove, it was in response to dirty tactics implemented by Poullas during the bout.

    Now, in an interview with Ariel Helwani, Tsarukyan opened up about the experience, feeling he was patient during the match as much as possible — but that no one could stand for what Poullas did.

    “This is not my fault,” Tsarukyan said. “Everybody is on my side now. I was waiting like six minutes. He was like punching me for six minutes. What do you want me to wait for me? Bro, if someone punches you ā€” everybody is different, what are you going to do if somebody punches you 20 times? You’re not going to let him do that.”

    Video footage from the matchup saw Poullas landing punches and slaps on Tsarukyan, prompting cries of foul play from Tsarukyan’s team but no true intervention from the match’s referee.

    Tsarukyan shoved Poullas to the mat and appeared to be ready to employ some MMA ground-and-pound before the corners and officials intervened.

    “Maybe 20 times, he’s trying to poke eyes, break my fingers,” Tsarukyan said. “I thought he was going to wrestle, but when he started punching, I said, ‘Okay, this guy wants to fight, and cancel the fight, do dirty wrestling. I was waiting on wrestling [to be] done, and [at] that moment, I wanted to punch him right away.

    “I won the wrestling and I heard the whistle, and I said, ‘Okay, now itā€™s time’ because I got the victory.ā€

    This controversy is not the first that Tsarukyan has been involved in over the past couple of years, and the result has seemed to be ire from the UFC directed at him.

    Tsarukyan was suspended following an altercation with a fan during his walkout at UFC 300, which saw him defeat Charles Oliveira. Tsarukyan withdrew from a lightweight title fight with Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 just one day before the event. He then irked many in the MMA community by headbutting Dan Hooker in the ceremonial weigh-ins before their UFC Qatar headliner.

    Some feel that Tsarukyan is digging a deeper hole for himself and his UFC career with this latest spotlight, and they feel he may have solidified never getting another title opportunity.

    But Tsarukyan feels the UFC will be pleased with him not letting a wrestler, someone who is not a UFC fighter, get the better of him.

    “It’s the opposite. They are going to be happy that a UFC fighter don’t let somebody to beat up a UFC fighter. UFC fighter goes to freestyle wrestling and beat the freestyle wrestler and to show what’s the level of UFC.”

    RAF officials have expressed disappointment in the brawl, but the promotion has not disciplined either man as of press time.

  • Georgio Poullas Makes Statement After Brawl with Arman Tsarukyan

    Georgio Poullas Makes Statement After Brawl with Arman Tsarukyan

    Georgio Poullas took to social media to send a message to his fans, RAF fans, and RAF 6 opponent Arman Tsarukyan after their chaotic post-match brawl.

    Tsarukyan took a 5-3 victory over Poullas, but the real story came after the match when Tsarukyan shoved Poullas down and looked to throw strikes at him. The corners of both men and officials quickly intervened to separate the two.

    Footage from the match appeared to show Poullas employing dirty tactics during the match, namely slaps, to the protest of Tsarukyan’s team.

    In a statement from the back of an ambulance, Poullas credited his family for being on his side despite being outnumbered during the aftermath. He also felt like the true winner of the matchup, claiming to have scored the only true takedown.

    “Unfortunately, I was jumped,” Poullas said. “But as you guys saw, my 62-year-old dad and both of my brothers came to my rescue. That’s the way we were brought up — to fight for each other no matter what.

    “To Arman, you’re a little b****. And by the way, if you guys watch the match, I’m the only one that got a takedown. He got pushed out and a couple of penalty points. I’m still the champ, baby.”

    Tsarukyan has been in the spotlight of controversy several times over the past couple of years. He was suspended following an altercation with a fan at UFC 300, lost a UFC lightweight title shot after pulling out with injury one day before UFC 311, and earned plenty of criticism for getting physical with Dan Hooker during the UFC Qatar ceremonial weigh-ins.

    Tsarukyan made his RAF debut at RAF 5 in January, defeating Lance Palmer. Poullas also made his RAF debut on that card, defeating Keelon Jimison.

    Following the event, RAF executives Eric Bischoff and Chad Bronstein assured that RAF is a family-friendly product and said they would review protocols to ensure preventative measures for another situation like this.

    As of press time, there is no update on the RAF status of Tsarukyan or Poullas.