Overview
- Real American Freestyle confirmed Khamzat Chimaev will face Chris Weidman in the light heavyweight crossover title match at Etihad Arena on Saturday, Nov. 14 after Colby Covington withdrew with an injury.
- Chris Weidman accepted the late replacement, saying he turned down a UFC broadcast role because RAF's offer was lucrative and calling himself the toughest wrestling test Chimaev has faced.
- Chimaev remains active in RAF while publicly saying he is waiting for the UFC to call and that he plans to return to the UFC at middleweight with the aim of reclaiming the title.
- RAF Abu Dhabi will stream on FOX Nation in the U.S. at 11 a.m. ET and features a mixed card of elite freestyle wrestlers and high-profile MMA crossover names to broaden the promotion's audience.
- The event starts RAF's five-year partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the UAE Wrestling Federation and could shape questions about Chimaev's UFC future and weight-class plans as the promotion expands internationally.