Colby Covington will headline Real American Freestyle's RAF 11 event on July 18, 2026, facing Arman Tsarukyan for the inaugural RAF Crossover Championship. The showdown takes place at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with the main card starting at 8 p.m. ET. Covington, a former UFC welterweight contender, enters the match with a 3-0 record in RAF since leaving the UFC earlier this year.
What’s at Stake for Colby Covington?
The main event carries the first-ever RAF Crossover Championship, a new belt designed for combat sports athletes transitioning to wrestling. Covington, known for his trash-talking and aggressive style, has been vocal about his rivalry with Tsarukyan. He called Tsarukyan a 'spoiled, entitled little brat' and framed the match as a chance to 'make my life fair.' Covington’s record in RAF stands at 3-0, while Tsarukyan is undefeated at 6-0.
Who Else Is Fighting at RAF 11?
The co-main event features Ben Askren’s return to competition against Belal Muhammad on his 42nd birthday. Askren, a former UFC fighter and wrestling legend, has made a remarkable recovery after a double lung transplant last year. Other notable matchups include Frankie Edgar vs. Clay Guida and Lucia Yepez vs. Felicity Taylor for a championship bout.
How to Watch RAF 11
RAF 11 will stream exclusively on FOX Nation, with coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET. There is no traditional pay-per-view or cable option for the main card. FOX Nation is the only place to catch the event live.
What Does This Mean for Covington’s Career?
A win for Covington would solidify his dominance in the crossover division and potentially set up future high-profile matches. His rivalry with Tsarukyan adds an extra layer of intensity to the bout, making it a must-watch for MMA and wrestling fans alike. Covington’s performance at RAF 11 could also influence his future in combat sports, whether he stays in wrestling or returns to MMA.