Ali Akbar Rosady
Milwaukee, WI – Colby Covington, the prominent American mixed martial artist and former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, claimed the inaugural RAF crossover championship belt on Saturday night, narrowly defeating rising UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan in a highly anticipated grappling contest. The event, part of RAF 11, marked a significant moment for the promotion, pitting two elite-level grapplers from different weight classes against each other under specialized wrestling rules designed to highlight their technical prowess.
The bout, held at a packed arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, brought together two athletes known for their wrestling acumen within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) landscape. Colby "Chaos" Covington, typically competing in the welterweight division (170 lbs), boasts an impressive collegiate wrestling pedigree, having been an NCAA Division I All-American at Oregon State University. His professional MMA record of 17-4 includes multiple UFC title challenges and victories over top contenders such as Jorge Masvidal, Tyron Woodley, and Rafael dos Anjos, with his style heavily reliant on relentless pressure, superior cardio, and world-class wrestling.
Arman "Ahalkalakets" Tsarukyan, a formidable force in the UFC lightweight division (155 lbs), has quickly ascended the ranks with a professional MMA record of 21-3. Known for his aggressive, well-rounded attack and strong grappling base, Tsarukyan has secured notable victories over Beneil Dariush, Joaquim Silva, and Damir Ismagulov. His only recent losses in the UFC have come against current champion Islam Makhachev in his promotional debut and a razor-thin decision against Mateusz Gamrot, both fights showcasing his elite-level grappling and tenacity. The contest in Milwaukee was contested at a catchweight that favored Covington, making his size advantage a point of pre-fight discussion.
The atmosphere in Milwaukee was electric, with a notable contingent of local fans eager to witness the crossover clash. Tsarukyan, embracing the Wisconsin locale, entered the arena sporting a traditional "cheese head" hat, drawing a significant roar from the crowd. Covington, known for his polarizing persona, maintained a focused demeanor. From the outset, the physical disparity between the welterweight Covington and the lightweight Tsarukyan was apparent, with Covington appearing visibly larger. However, Tsarukyan, undeterred by the size difference, immediately initiated engagement, taking the fight to Covington in the center of the mat.
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The initial exchanges of the first round were a testament to both men’s high-level wrestling defense and offensive subtlety. Both grapplers engaged in intense hand fighting, seeking dominant tie-ups and control. They exchanged a series of snap downs, attempting to break posture and create openings for takedowns, and executed arm drags, designed to disrupt balance and gain advantageous angles. Neither competitor could establish a significant positional advantage during the initial phase, showcasing their defensive fortitude. As the round progressed, the tactical battle intensified, with both athletes wary of committing too aggressively. With approximately 30 seconds remaining, Tsarukyan changed levels, shooting for a single-leg takedown. Covington, demonstrating his defensive wrestling acumen, swiftly countered with a waist wrap, transitioning smoothly to take Tsarukyan over for a crucial takedown. This maneuver not only secured two points for the takedown but, combined with an earlier shot clock point awarded to Covington (likely for Tsarukyan’s failure to initiate offense within a designated timeframe under the specific RAF ruleset), gave Covington an early 3-0 lead heading into the second period.
Entering the second round, Covington’s defensive wrestling continued to prove stalwart, frustrating Tsarukyan’s attempts to close the gap. However, Tsarukyan, known for his relentless pressure, managed to secure a cleaner single-leg takedown earlier in the second period. Driving through with power, he lifted Covington into the air, forcing Covington to bail out of the position to avoid giving up exposure points – a common scoring element in folkstyle wrestling where exposing one’s back to the mat results in points for the opponent. This successful takedown by Tsarukyan leveled the immediate scoring. Following a reset by the official, Covington initiated his own offensive sequence, shooting for a takedown. What ensued was a "fun scramble," a rapid and dynamic exchange of positional control and counter-wrestling. Tsarukyan, displaying exceptional scrambling ability and flexibility, managed to barely keep from giving up points, showcasing his defensive grappling prowess. However, mirroring the end of the first period, Tsarukyan attempted a less committed takedown attempt in the closing moments of the round. Covington capitalized immediately, sprawling effectively to defend the shot and then turning into Tsarukyan for a two-point counter, further extending his lead. The score at the end of the second period stood at 5-2 in favor of Covington, setting up a tense final round.
Heading into the third and final round, Tsarukyan found himself trailing by three points, necessitating an urgent and aggressive approach. He responded with exactly that, pressing forward relentlessly and initiating repeated attacks in an effort to break through Covington’s defense. This sustained offensive pressure ultimately resulted in a shot clock violation against Covington, indicating that Covington had failed to initiate sufficient offensive action within the allotted time, granting Tsarukyan a point. Despite this, Tsarukyan encountered immense difficulty in translating his urgency into scoring opportunities. Covington, renowned for his suffocating top control and impenetrable defense in MMA, showcased a masterclass in defensive wrestling throughout the final frame. He sprawled effectively on every takedown attempt, denying Tsarukyan any window to secure a meaningful score. Covington’s ability to maintain a low center of gravity, widen his base, and control his opponent’s head and hips proved insurmountable for Tsarukyan. Despite Tsarukyan’s continuous efforts, Covington’s defensive strategy held firm, allowing him to effectively run out the clock and secure a hard-fought 5-3 victory.
The win marked a significant milestone for Covington, making him the inaugural RAF crossover champion and handing Tsarukyan his first loss under the RAF banner, though it does not impact his professional MMA record.
In the immediate aftermath of the contest, Covington displayed a notably respectful demeanor, a departure from his often-provocative persona. He was highly complimentary of Tsarukyan’s performance, predicting a bright future for his opponent. "Arman Tsarukyan is a future UFC lightweight champion, mark my words," Covington stated, acknowledging the skill and heart of the rising star. Following the gracious remarks, Covington then outlined a list of potential opponents he would consider for his newly acquired crossover title. Among those mentioned were UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad and middleweight powerhouse Khamzat Chimaev.
Belal Muhammad, currently ranked #2 in the UFC welterweight division, holds a professional MMA record of 23-3 (1 NC) and is known for his relentless pressure, strong wrestling, and exceptional cardio, mirroring some of Covington’s own strengths. A grappling match between Muhammad and Covington would undoubtedly be a technical marvel, given their similar styles. Khamzat Chimaev, an undefeated sensation with a 13-0 MMA record, has competed across welterweight and middleweight, possessing a dominant Sambo and wrestling background. A potential bout with Chimaev would present a significant stylistic challenge due to Chimaev’s raw power and suffocating grappling. The implications of Covington’s victory extend beyond the RAF promotion, potentially setting the stage for future high-profile grappling events featuring top MMA talent. For Covington, the win maintains his competitive edge and offers a platform outside the UFC octagon, while for Tsarukyan, the experience against an elite grappler like Covington provides invaluable insights for his continued ascent in the UFC lightweight division. The inaugural RAF crossover belt has now found its first home, signaling a new avenue for combat sports athletes to test their specialized skills.
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