Ali Akbar Rosady
The highly anticipated wrestling showdown between Colby Covington and Belal Muhammad is unequivocally set to take place, though its precise timing and location remain subject to internal deliberation, according to RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein. The confirmation follows a volatile post-event press conference at RAF 11, where an announced co-main event for RAF 12 devolved into a physical altercation between the two competitors, prompting swift intervention from security and promotion officials.
Both Covington, known for his "Chaos" persona and formidable wrestling background, and Muhammad, a tenacious contender with a burgeoning fan base, secured decisive victories at RAF 11 this past weekend. Covington captured the newly established cruiserweight crossover title by defeating Arman Tsarukyan, an elite mixed martial artist recognized for his grappling prowess. Muhammad, meanwhile, delivered a strong performance against grappling veteran and former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder Ben Askren. Their respective triumphs paved the way for the highly anticipated clash, initially slated as the co-main event for RAF 12 in Cleveland on August 22, with Covington’s recently acquired title on the line.
However, the ceremonial announcement of their upcoming bout quickly escalated into an unscheduled melee. Immediately following the official confirmation, Muhammad advanced on Covington at the post-event press conference, igniting a scuffle that required immediate intervention. Security personnel, alongside RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein, were compelled to separate the athletes as the situation threatened to spiral further out of control. Bronstein, positioned directly between the two, reacted promptly to de-escalate the confrontation.
Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events, Bronstein conveyed his astonishment to MMA Fighting, despite acknowledging the palpable tension leading up to the incident. "I didn’t think it was going to happen, no, but I could tell there’s heat happening, right?" Bronstein stated. "I was right in the middle of it as you saw. I was first, I was right up in the middle of it trying to stop it immediately, but I did not think that was gonna happen." He further elaborated on his surprise, stating, "I thought there was gonna be severe trash talk between the two of them. They don’t like each other. But I didn’t think there was gonna be any physicalities that happened, and I was tired from two weeks of traveling, I really wasn’t looking forward to jumping up in the middle of a scuffle, but my intuition made me do it."
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Bronstein’s assessment highlighted the deep-seated animosity between the two athletes, despite his personal relationships with both. "But no, I did not expect that. But these two have tons of tension, right? I know both of those guys. I know them personally, I have a great relationship with both of them, and I, truthfully, didn’t think they were going to do that because I also know, as much trash talk they both do, they’re actually both ultimate professionals," he affirmed, underscoring the surprising deviation from their usual conduct.
In the aftermath of the near-brawl, reports emerged suggesting a potential disruption to the planned matchup. Covington, speaking to Submission Radio, indicated he was considering withdrawing from the bout entirely, a sentiment he reiterated to MMA Fighting by stating he "might" opt for a different opponent. Such a move would undoubtedly cast a shadow over the momentum building around RAF’s cruiserweight division and the highly anticipated clash of two prominent UFC figures in a wrestling format.
However, Bronstein moved to unequivocally clarify the promotion’s stance on the matter, asserting that the fight will indeed proceed. While acknowledging Covington’s status as an investor in the promotion, Bronstein emphasized the ultimate decision-making authority rests with himself and fellow co-founder "Izzy." "So one… Colby is an investor, but at the end of the day, Izzy and myself will make the decision for the matches, and he knows that," Bronstein explained. "And two, he’s going to wrestle Belal. The question is, is it going to happen in Cleveland, or is it going to happen in Miami? But it will, we’re figuring out right now it’s set for Cleveland, but he’s definitely wrestling Belal." The final determination on the event location is expected within "the next day or so," adding a layer of suspense to the already charged rivalry.
The potential relocation of the bout from Cleveland (RAF 12, August 22) to Miami (RAF 13, September 19) introduces a logistical consideration for the promotion and its fanbase. Cleveland, a city with a rich history in combat sports and a strong local following, was initially earmarked for the high-profile encounter. Miami, another key market for combat sports, would offer an alternative, potentially allowing for more time to build anticipation or accommodate unforeseen circumstances. The shift, if implemented, would also necessitate adjustments to RAF 12’s co-main event slot, though Bronstein confirmed plans are already in place for such a contingency.
Should Muhammad be unable to compete at RAF 12 in Cleveland, Bronstein confirmed that Covington would still feature prominently on the card against another top-ranked UFC competitor. This contingency plan aims to ensure Covington’s active participation and maintain the card’s star power. The backup opponent, Branden Allen, is notably a friend of Belal Muhammad, suggesting that Muhammad would likely still be in attendance to witness "Chaos" compete, thereby sustaining the narrative tension leading into their eventual clash, potentially at RAF 13. "Colby will wrestle in Cleveland no matter what," Bronstein stated. "If Belal doesn’t wrestle in Cleveland, and he’ll wrestle in Miami, it’s going to be Branden Allen that will step in to compete against Colby in Cleveland. Belal and Brandon Allen are friends, right? So it’s good… But right now, Belal is still set. But if he can’t, then it’s going to be Miami."
Covington’s tenure with the Real American Federation (RAF) has been marked by consistent success, bolstering his reputation as a formidable grappler across various combat disciplines. With a perfect 4-0 record under the RAF banner, Covington has demonstrated his wrestling dominance against a diverse array of opponents. His victories include technical fall triumphs over former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Dillon Danis, showcasing his superior control and technique. Covington earned his shot at the inaugural cruiserweight crossover title by defeating former UFC middleweight contender Chris Weidman at RAF 9 in May, a performance that solidified his position as a top contender in the burgeoning promotion.
Looking ahead, Bronstein assured fans that Covington’s high activity level is a strategic priority for RAF throughout the remainder of 2026. This commitment underscores the promotion’s intent to feature its champions prominently and consistently. "Colby wants to compete constantly for his title," Bronstein revealed. "He’s saying that anyone [can] jump in, he’s ready to go. You’ll see Colby pretty active from Cleveland to Miami, to an international show with the main event. There’s a lot of things booked for Colby. We just can’t give you all of the details." This ambitious schedule suggests RAF’s broader plans for international expansion and its desire to establish its champions as global figures in the crossover wrestling landscape, with Colby Covington at the forefront of this initiative.
The dynamic between Covington and Muhammad, intensified by the recent post-event scuffle, adds a compelling layer to their upcoming wrestling encounter. While the exact date and location await final confirmation, the commitment from RAF leadership ensures that this high-stakes rivalry will culminate in the squared circle, delivering a significant event for combat sports enthusiasts. The decision on the venue, expected imminently, will set the stage for one of RAF’s most anticipated matchups to date, further solidifying the promotion’s position in the competitive landscape of crossover combat sports.
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