Colby Covington targets RAF matches with Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman after sweeping Belal Muhammad

Colby Covington has identified two potential matchups within the RAF (Real-Action Fighting) league that he believes would capture significant attention.

Covington has found renewed energy through his freestyle wrestling endeavors following his MMA career. "Chaos" recently achieved a dominant 10-0 victory against former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. This win followed his July triumph over Arman Tsarukyan, where he secured a 5-3 score. Covington suggests that a rivalry bout with Chimaev and a confrontation with his long-standing opponent Kamaru Usman are two compelling directions for RAF.

Speaking to reporters after the recent RAF 13 event where he faced Muhammad, Covington elaborated on his interest in facing Chimaev and Usman (via MMAJunkie).

“There’s a long list of fighters, and fortunately, RAF offers plenty of skilled opponents to challenge and test myself,” Covington stated during the post-match press conference for RAF 13. “Naturally, ‘Marty Fakenewsman’ (Kamaru Usman) – we have unfinished business. That trilogy would be a major contest. That’s likely at the top of the list. ‘Cumshot’ (Khamzat) Chimaev is also a strong possibility, though we need to ensure he adheres to a weight plan. He can’t continue to be unprofessional, miss weight, or withdraw again due to minor ailments.”

Chimaev previously indicated that he may have unintentionally revealed RAF's proposed fight plans with Covington. It remains to be seen if this bout will materialize. Both fighters have exchanged words over the years, and the build-up to such a match could draw a substantial segment of the MMA audience. Whether fans are eager to witness a wrestling match between Covington and Usman is also uncertain.

Usman defeated Covington twice, with both fights being for the UFC welterweight championship. "The Nigerian Nightmare" caused a TKO stoppage due to a broken jaw in their first encounter and won by unanimous decision in the rematch.