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5h ago

Covington Withdraws From RAF Abu Dhabi; Chris Weidman Steps In

The late replacement changes the belt on the headline bout and forces RAF to finalise promotion with days to spare before the Etihad Arena debut.

Illustration: MiddleEasy
Khamzat Chimaev on his way to a quick victory over Dilion Danis at RAF 10. Photo: RAF Abu Dhabi
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Overview

  • RAF announced Monday that Colby Covington pulled out of the Nov. 14 main event at Etihad Arena because of an undisclosed injury and that Chris Weidman will replace him on short notice.
  • Khamzat Chimaev remains the headliner and will now fight Weidman for the RAF Light Heavyweight Crossover Championship rather than Covington’s Cruiserweight title.
  • No medical details about Covington’s injury have been released, and coverage noted his quick submission loss to Raul Rosas Jr. at a Hype FC grappling event days earlier.
  • Weidman is a retired former UFC middleweight champion who previously lost a decision to Covington in RAF; his late booking tightens preparation time for both camps and could affect match dynamics.
  • The change comes as RAF launches its five-year partnership in Abu Dhabi with a stacked crossover card under modified freestyle rules and broadcast deals with Fox Nation and Starzplay.