Colby Covington is out against Khamzat Chimaev at RAF Abu Dhabi.
“Chaos” was set to compete this Saturday November 14th at Real American Freestyle’s big debut in the U.A.E., but the former UFC interim welterweight champion was forced to withdraw due to an undisclosed injury. Stepping in to replace him will be former UFC middleweight champion and two-time NCAA Division I All-American Chris Weidman.
The news was announced by RAF this morning.
Covington was in action just last weekend (Nov. 7, 2026), getting tapped by Raul Rosas Jr. in 40 seconds at a HYPE Fighting Championship event in Rome (watch it here).
“I just came out a little slow,” Colby said following the loss. “This is the first time I’ve done jiu-jitsu in years. Every setback is a good opportunity for a comeback. I will get my hand raised next time.”
It won’t be in Abu Dhabi against Khamzat Chimaev.
Still on the card: Frank Mir’s daughter Bella Mir taking on the extremely tough Kennedy Blades, Zabit Magomedsharipov vs. Gaga Chikadze, Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Urijah Faber, and Arman Tsarukyan vs. Neiman Gracie.
