ABU DHABI: The headline bout of Real American Freestyle’s Middle East debut has changed opponents less than a week before the event, with an American former UFC champion stepping in for an injured rival.
Chris Weidman, the former UFC middleweight champion, will replace Colby Covington to face Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of RAF Abu Dhabi on Saturday, November 14, at Etihad Arena on Yas Is
What happened to Covington
Covington withdrew because of an injury, though its nature has not been disclosed. He had been due to defend his title in the headline slot. Chimaev was originally scheduled to face him for the Cruiserweight Crossover Championship.
The change alters what is at stake. Chimaev and Weidman will now compete for the RAF Light Heavyweight Crossover Championship. The promotion confirmed the new pairing on social media on Monday and has updated its event page.
Weidman’s short-notice call
Weidman arrives with a strong wrestling pedigree. He was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American at Hofstra University and made his name in the UFC by knocking out Anderson Silva in 2013. He returned to competitive wrestling with his RAF debut in May, and this will be his first appearance in Abu Dhabi.
He framed the fight in positive terms. Weidman called Chimaev a tough opponent, said having a title on the line adds to the occasion, and described the chance to compete in Abu Dhabi as special given the city’s history of hosting major fights.
Chimaev at home
For Chimaev, the headline slot comes in front of a crowd that sees him as a local figure. He represents the United Arab Emirates and fights out of the Allstars Training Center. He is unbeaten under the RAF banner. The promotion lists him at 4-0 after his win over Robbie Lawler in Las Vegas.
His earlier RAF wins included stoppages of high-profile names. He previously beat Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns on the mats. Facing an opponent of Weidman’s wrestling background is a different kind of test than a pure grudge match, and Chimaev will have had little time to adjust his preparation.
The rest of the card
The remainder of the event appears intact. Arman Tsarukyan against Neiman Gracie remains the catchweight crossover co-main event, and three other championships stay on the lineup. Umar Nurmagomedov is also scheduled to meet Urijah Faber. Merab Dvalishvili and Julianna Peña are among other well-known names on the bill.
A long-term bet on Abu Dhabi
The event is the first step in a larger plan. RAF Abu Dhabi marks the start of a five-year partnership between Real American Freestyle, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the UAE Wrestling Federation. It follows RAF’s international events in Tbilisi, Georgia and in Moscow, making Abu Dhabi the promotion’s third overseas stop in its first year.
That fits a wider pattern. Abu Dhabi has spent years building a calendar of combat sports and major sporting events, and wrestling, a sport with deep roots in the region, offers a natural extension. A strong first show would help justify the multi-year commitment.
What to expect on Saturday
Replacement fights carry some uncertainty, but the card still has plenty to offer. Weidman’s takedown pressure will test Chimaev’s defence, while Chimaev will look to use his strength and pace to take control early. The addition of a title adds weight to a bout that was arranged in a matter of days.
Ticket and broadcast details are available through the organisers, and further updates on the card are likely before fight night.
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