Colby Covington has built a reputation as one of MMA's most polarizing trash talkers. He has now found a new home under the RAF banner following his recent retirement from the UFC. He recently defeated former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman at RAF 09. The former UFC interim champion is now set for a wrestling match against UFC lightweight contender and RAF star Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 11.
Covington has already competed under the RAF banner on three separate occasions. He made his promotional debut at RAF 05, defeating former UFC star Luke Rockhold via tech fall. Covington followed that with another dominant tech fall win over Dillon Danis at RAF 07. His most recent appearance came against Chris Weidman at RAF 09 in Arlington, Texas, where 'Chaos' secured a narrow 5-4 decision.
Tsarukyan has remained one of the most active stars under the RAF banner, having competed five times alone throughout 2026. At RAF 09, he delivered a commanding performance against influencer-wrestler Mugzy, securing a dominant tech-fall victory. Following his win over Weidman, Covington called out the Armenian star after the main event. It was later announced that the two would face off at RAF 11.
Gas up your daddy's jet, bring that little jezebel Nina Drama, and I'll see you in Milwaukee on July 18.
Colby Covington via RAF 09 broadcastHowever, what stood out was Tsarukyan's calm reaction to Covington's callout during the post-fight moment. Covington mentioned popular MMA journalist Nina Marie Daniele.
'Nina Drama' is a close friend of Tsarukyan and has appeared on his livestreams. Tsarukyan stayed composed despite the reference. Georgio Poullaswas previously warned by Tsarukyan not to involve family or friends in trash talk.
This development comes just days after Covington outlined his RAF opponents following his UFC exit. RAF owner Chad Bronstein has clarified that active UFC fighters cannot compete against each other under the RAF banner. Covington and Tsarukyan have been calling each other out for months across multiple appearances. Their rivalry has steadily escalated through repeated post-event exchanges.
While Tsarukyan prepares to focus on his matchup against 'Chaos', he is already scheduled to face former UFC superstar Tony Ferguson at RAF 10 on June 13th. The bout will mark the Armenian's sixth appearance under the RAF banner. His consistent activity has kept him one of the promotion's most featured competitors. The Colby Covington clash adds another high-profile test to his growing RAF run.
Arman Tsarukyan has produced several high-profile moments under the RAF banner. The Armenian star first gained attention after a brawl with Georgio Poullas and his team at RAF 06. He later escalated his reputation at RAF 08 against UFC legend Urijah Faber. Tsarukyan forced Faber off the mat into the commentary area. The moment cemented him as one of RAF's most talked-about competitors.
Faber is a former NCAA Division I wrestler with a strong grappling base that shaped his MMA career. He is also a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Fabio 'Pateta' Prado. His style is built on scrambles, takedowns, and positional control. Faber competed at championship level in multiple weight classes. This grappling background has been referenced in relation to Colby Covington's comments on Tsarukyan's conduct.
Arman is a fine young man. I just don't like his antics—throwing Urijah Faber, a legend of the sport, off the stage, brawling with guys on the wrestling mat. That's not professional. That's not how we act in the wrestling world. I want to set him straight. I want to teach him a lesson. You don't come to America and disrespect us Americans. Now he's going to have to face one of the greatest Americans there is in the wrestling world.
Colby Covington via RAF 09 broadcastDespite his antics, Tsarukyan remains one of the biggest draws for the RAF promotion. He recently stated that his presence and constant activity have boosted viewership and marketability. His consistent schedule has kept him central to RAF events throughout, as he has competed in every month of 2026 so far. The upcoming bout against Colby Covington will mark his seventh appearance under the RAF banner.
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