Colby Covington vs Chris Weidman set for freestyle wrestling match at RAF 9

Colby Covington and Chris Weidman are set to meet outside the cage, with the two former UFC contenders scheduled to compete in a professional freestyle wrestling match at RAF 9 on May 30.

Covington, known as "Chaos," carries a 17-5 overall MMA record into the crossover bout, including a 12-5 mark inside the UFC. The 38-year-old American, who trains out of MMA Masters, has long been recognized as one of the more wrestling-heavy fighters in the welterweight division. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 72-inch reach, Covington averages 3.64 takedowns per 15 minutes in MMA competition, underlining the credentials he brings to a pure wrestling format.

Weidman, nicknamed "The All-American," arrives with a 16-8 overall record and a 12-8 UFC mark. The 42-year-old Serra-Longo Fight Team product stands six-foot-two with a 78-inch reach and built much of his MMA reputation on a well-rounded game that includes 3.27 takedowns per 15 minutes. His nickname alone speaks to a collegiate wrestling foundation that makes him a credible opponent in this setting.

Why it matters

• Both fighters bring legitimate wrestling pedigrees, giving the freestyle format immediate credibility
• The matchup takes place at RAF 9, a professional wrestling tournament rather than an MMA event, marking a notable crossover for both men
• At 38 and 42 respectively, each competitor has plenty of experience to draw on, though the freestyle ruleset will test skills rarely showcased in an MMA context
• The bout carries divisional implications for neither man directly, but adds an unusual chapter to two lengthy UFC careers