Colby Covington goes off on Arman Tsarukyan and Nina-Marie Daniele, gets into faceoff with UFC star after RAF 9
Colby Covington cut a post-match promo against Arman Tsarukyan and Nina Drama before partaking in a faceoff with Tsarukyan at RAF 9.
Colby Covington has taken aim at both Arman Tsarukyan and social media influencer Nina-Marie Daniele (aka Nina Drama). After his victory at the latest RAF (Real American Freestyle) wrestling event, Covington cut a fiery promo, laying the foundation of his next RAF matchup.
America's Covington is a former interim UFC welterweight champion, who was a longtime member of the MMA organization's roster. The grappling maestro recently set fight fans abuzz by notifying the UFC of his MMA retirement -- albeit he later asserted that he'd surely compete in the UFC if he chooses to return to MMA competition someday.
On the other hand, Armenia's Tsarukyan is currently considered to be one of the best fighters in the UFC lightweight division. Many believe that the grappling savant is on the cusp of a UFC title shot at 155 pounds.
Colby Covington calls out Arman Tsarukyan, jibes at the UFC lightweight and Nina-Marie Daniele
Colby Covington's most recent combat sports contest was a catchweight (200-pound) freestyle wrestling match against former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. Covington bested Weidman via decision (5-4) at RAF 9 on May 30, 2026.
On the other hand, earlier on the same card, Tsarukyan took on Keelon "Mugzy" Jimison in a middleweight matchup. "Akhalkalakets" defeated Jimison via technical fall (16-5) in the first period of their match.
Well, after Covington's win over Weidman, the former UFC 170-pounder seemingly alluded to the social media skits and miscellaneous content that Tsarukyan appears in with Nina-Marie Daniele.
He also alluded to Arman Tsarukyan's father, Nairi Tsarukyan, who's known to be a wealthy entrepreneur. Challenging Arman to a wrestling match in the RAF. Covington stated:
"Arman, you're a spoiled little brat. You've been talking the talk. Let's see if you can walk the walk. Gas up your daddy's jet. Bring that little J*z*bel, Nina Drama. And I'll see you in Milwaukee on July 18th. No more excuses. It's time to run it... America! God bless, everybody! Have a good night! "
Covington and Tsarukyan moved toward each other and shook hands, ensuring that their war of words didn't escalate into a physical confrontation. Tsarukyan then asserted:
"Colby, today you looked so bad. Please, when we're going to wrestle, be ready because I don't wanna have easy money. I wanna be legit wrestle with you."
Check out Covington's and Tsarukyan's statements and faceoff below:
🚨 Colby Covington vs Arman Tsarukyan was just announced for RAF 11 on July 18 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 31, 2026
“Gas up your daddy’s jet, bring that little jezebel Nina Drama, and I’ll see you in Milwaukee on July 18.” pic.twitter.com/WBJkFHK5uf
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Colby Covington will headline RAF 11
Ex-UFC star and retired MMA fighter Chael Sonnen, who himself is a veteran of the American wrestling circuit, mediated the faceoff between Colby Covington and Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 9.
Moreover, RAF co-founder and CEO Chad Bronstein, as well as RAF COO Izzy Martinez, also entered the fray. Sonnen notably asked them to clarify whether Covington's callout for a clash in July and Tsarukyan's response could culminate in their matchup being made official.
On that note, both Bronstein and Martinez indicated that the fight is indeed on. Furthermore, the RAF has now put forth an Instagram post, highlighting that a cruiserweight match between Tsarukyan and Covington will headline RAF 11. The event will be held at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A., on July 18, 2026.
