Colby Covington says he is not pleased that his Real American Freestyle cruiserweight crossover title defense against Khamzat Chimaev will take place in Abu Dhabi on November 14. Covington, who won the belt by beating Arman Tsarukyan in July and defended it against Belal Muhammad, argued that the American-based promotion should keep its champion's bouts on U.S. soil. He also accused Chimaev of caring more about cash grabs than the growth of the company.
Colby Covington has voiced his displeasure that his upcoming Real American Freestyle cruiserweight crossover title defense against Khamzat Chimaev is set for Abu Dhabi on November 14.
Covington, who captured the belt by beating Arman Tsarukyan in July and later defended it against Belal Muhammad, argues that an American-based promotion should keep its champion's fights on U.S. soil. He also accused Chimaev of being more interested in cash grabs than in the growth of the company.
The champion and the challenger
Covington, 38, holds a 17-5 record in MMA and represents the United States out of MMA Masters. The former interim UFC welterweight titleholder is known for his wrestling-heavy approach, averaging 3.64 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 3.81 significant strikes landed per minute. His belt in RAF's crossover division has now survived two tests, first against Tsarukyan and then against Muhammad.
Chimaev, 32, is 15-1 and ranks number one at middleweight, with a number 10 spot in the pound-for-pound list. He fights out of Allstars Training Center and represents the United Arab Emirates, which adds a notable layer to the choice of Abu Dhabi as host city. His numbers show why he is considered a difficult matchup for any grappler: 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, and 60 percent striking accuracy while landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Covington's complaint highlights a tension over where RAF should stage its marquee fights as it tries to build an American audience.
- The bout pairs a champion who has beaten Tsarukyan and Muhammad with one of the most decorated grapplers in the UFC middleweight division.
- Chimaev's UAE ties make Abu Dhabi a natural home for the matchup from his side, even as the champion pushes for a U.S. venue.
The fight remains scheduled for November 14, and nothing in Covington's comments suggests the date or location is changing.
