Colby Covington secured a victory over Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 11, held at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This main event wrestling match saw Covington claim the RAF cruiserweight crossover championship, marking his third consecutive win in the wrestling promotion. Tsarukyan, despite a strong performance in previous RAF events, experienced his first loss under the RAF banner.
The match was structured into three periods, with Covington establishing an early lead. In the first period, Covington gained a 3-0 advantage. Tsarukyan, known for his success in MMA, struggled to overcome Covington’s wrestling prowess. The second period saw Covington extend his lead to 5-2, despite Tsarukyan attempting to close the gap with a Dake bomb manoeuvre. Covington’s defensive skills and ability to score again before the period concluded maintained his comfortable lead.
During the third and final period, Tsarukyan appeared fatigued. Covington continued to control the centre of the mat, effectively countering Tsarukyan’s attempts to score. Tsarukyan’s desperation shots from a distance were met with Covington’s sprawls and front headlocks, slowing down his opponent’s offence. Although Covington was placed on the shot clock at one point, he ultimately secured the victory with a final score of 5-3 as time expired, ending Tsarukyan’s undefeated streak in RAF.
Covington’s undefeated RAF run and call-outs
Covington, a former Division 1 All-American wrestler and JUCO national champion, transitioned his wrestling background into a successful UFC career, where he previously held an interim welterweight title and competed for the undisputed championship multiple times. He retired from MMA earlier this year to focus on RAF, quickly accumulating three wins that led to this title match. His victory against Tsarukyan maintains his undefeated record of 3-0 in the promotion.
Following his win, Covington participated in a post-match interview with Chael Sonnen. He acknowledged Tsarukyan’s skills, stating, “Arman’s gonna be lightweight champ, I’m for sure of it, and I can’t wait to witness it.” Covington also expressed his admiration for Tsarukyan’s performance, noting his tie-ups, feints, and ability to get to the legs, describing him as a strong opponent. He emphasized the honour of being the first crossover champion in RAF history.
Covington then used the interview as an opportunity to call out several former UFC champions for future potential matches. He challenged Khamzat Chimaev, Belal Muhammad, and Tyron Woodley, declaring his readiness to defend his newly acquired crossover championship. His remarks indicated a desire to face a range of high-profile opponents in the wrestling promotion.
Tsarukyan’s RAF journey and future prospects
Arman Tsarukyan, recognized as one of the top MMA fighters globally, has become a prominent figure in RAF throughout 2026. Despite not having a traditional wrestling background, Tsarukyan demonstrated considerable capability on the mats, entering the match against Covington with a perfect 7-0 record in RAF. This impressive streak earned him the opportunity to compete for the inaugural crossover title.
Prior to this event, Tsarukyan had competed in seven events for the promotion, showcasing his adaptability and skill in the wrestling format. His undefeated run in RAF positioned him as a strong contender for the championship. Although he did not secure the title against Covington, his performance in RAF has highlighted his versatility as an athlete.
Tsarukyan’s journey in RAF has been closely watched, particularly given his background in MMA. His ability to adapt to wrestling rules and achieve significant success underscored his athletic talent. The match against Covington, while resulting in his first RAF loss, was a high-stakes contest for the new cruiserweight crossover title.
The event concluded without an interview from Tsarukyan, following Covington’s post-match comments. Covington’s victory marks a significant moment for the RAF cruiserweight crossover championship.
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Source: mmajunkie-eu.usatoday.com
As CasinoNews's Sports News Writer, Mason Leclair reports on the CFL, golf and combat sports for readers across the country. He moved from regional papers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Carleton University. Mason lives in Ottawa, where he follows the PGA Tour and mixed martial arts. “Get the facts down first, then add the context.”
