Colby Covington Sets Strict Conditions for Khamzat Chimaev RAF Showdown

Both Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev delivered spectacular victories in their respective RAF 13 bouts. That has amplified the stakes between the two, with a potential matchup looming. Covington, however, has two demands to be strictly met. 

Colby Covington Shares Venue and Weight Requirements

In an interview with Submission Radio two days after his win over Belal Muhammad, Covington addressed the growing anticipation for the clash against 'Borz'. While he's open to the idea that the former middleweight champion prematurely leaked, he has pushed back against it happening in Abu Dhabi. 

“I know that they want me in Abu Dhabi, but I don’t know if I’m comfortable going to Abu Dhabi. I like America. I’m an American, a cold-blooded, red-blooded American, and I’d like to keep all my wrestling matches here in America," Covington set the record straight. 

The former UFC welterweight star believes Abu Dhabi will be a "titled" playing field for the American, clarifying that the venue will decide whom he wrestles next. That said, Covington's broader goal is to compete monthly. 

Weight is also an important factor for 'Chaos'. Usually weighing around 188 lbs, Covington has refused to give Chimaev an unfair weight advantage. The bout must happen at 185 lbs, he insisted. 

“Khamzat’s got to make the weight. We’ll see if he can get down to a fair weight. I’m not going to go up to 200-plus pounds," the former UFC interim champion explained. 

Given that the Russian fighter's last matchup was in the 200 lbs division, dropping to Covington's proposed number could present its own challenge. However, if that fight comes to be, Covington is confident in his cardio. 

Colby Covington Says He'd Break Khamzat Chimaev

Borz is known for his dominant wrestling and relentless pressure that has even challenged Sean Strickland in the past. Covington, however, isn't intimidated by that.

The American believes his cardio and intensity will be central to defeating Chimaev. Considering the decorated UFC resume built on his wrestling calibre, that claim surely doesn't come from a whim. 

“I think I would break him. I just don’t think he has the cardio to keep up with me. We’ve seen him gassing in fights, pulling guard against Sean Strickland. He has those quitter tendencies, so I will bring that quitter out in him if that’s the next matchup.”

Chaos focuses on controlling the pace and intimidating his opponents to claim the victory. While he has notable wrestling-heavy wins in the UFC, his biggest wrestling triumph to date comes against Arman Tsarukyan, edging the Armenian to become the inaugural RAF crossover champion. 

Khamzat Chimaev's wrestling prowess isn't unknown either. With both men bringing elite wrestling credentials and contrasting approaches to the mat, a Covington-Chimaev showdown could make for a fascinating RAF clash.

Colby Covington believes he would break Khamzat Chimaev in a potential wrestling match.

“I think I would break Khamzat. He doesn’t have the cardio to keep up with me. He has those quitter tendencies. I will bring those quitter tendencies out of him if that’s the next matchup.”… pic.twitter.com/C8HfoFQjM8

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 21, 2026