One of the biggest crossover matchups in Real American Freestyle history is now official. Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington will face UFC lightweight title contender Arman Tsarukyan in the main event of RAF 11 on July 18 at UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The highly anticipated cruiserweight wrestling showdown will stream live on FOX Nation.
The promotion officially announced the matchup Saturday night following the conclusion of RAF 09, setting the stage for a battle between two of the most recognizable names to make the transition from mixed martial arts to freestyle wrestling.
For months, Tsarukyan and Covington appeared destined to meet inside a Real American Freestyle event. Both fighters have become major attractions for the promotion since making their RAF debuts earlier this year, consistently generating headlines with dominant performances and outspoken personalities.
Now, with both men undefeated in the promotion, the long-awaited matchup is finally set. The bout immediately becomes one of the most significant matches in RAF history and could play a major role in shaping the future of the rapidly growing wrestling organization.
Tsarukyan Continues Dominant RAF Run
Tsarukyan enters the matchup as one of RAF’s most active and successful competitors. Since debuting in January, the 29-year-old has compiled a perfect 5-0 record, defeating notable names such as Urijah Faber, Georgio Poullas, Lance Palmer, and most recently “Mugzy” at RAF 09. The UFC lightweight contender has embraced the wrestling platform while waiting for his next MMA opportunity.
Although Tsarukyan hasn’t competed in mixed martial arts since defeating Dan Hooker by stoppage at a UFC Fight Night event last November, he has remained active through grappling and wrestling competitions. His performances in RAF have only strengthened his reputation as one of the most accomplished wrestlers currently competing in MMA.
While Tsarukyan prepares for Covington, his UFC future remains very much in focus. Recently, UFC CEO Dana White named Tsarukyan the official backup fighter for the lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
That championship clash is scheduled to headline UFC Freedom Fights 250 on June 14 at the White House, one of the most ambitious events in UFC history. If either Topuria or Gaethje is unable to compete, Tsarukyan could find himself fighting for UFC gold. Until then, his attention shifts to RAF 11.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
