The win allowed Chimaev to capture the inaugural RAF light heavyweight crossover championship.
Late-Notice Replacement Changes Main Event
Chimaev was originally slated to face Colby Covington, who was booked to defend his cruiserweight crossover title at the Abu Dhabi venue. However, Covington withdrew from the main event just days before the card due to an undisclosed injury.
This development followed Covington’s recent submission loss to Raul Rosas Jr. at an event in Rome, where he said that it was the first time he had engaged in jiu-jitsu in years.
Promotion officials moved quickly to maintain the headline slot, bringing in former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman as a replacement. Weidman, a 42-year-old two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, accepted the bout on short notice.
🚨 BREAKING: Colby Covington is OUT! 💥 Khamzat Chimaev will now face Chris Weidman at RAF Abu Dhabi this week. pic.twitter.com/mDGR8OGnlv
The matchup marked Weidman’s second RAF appearance, following his 5-4 loss to Covington in May. Chimaev, a UAE citizen since 2025 who maintains a perfect 27-0 wrestling record, expressed his disappointment with the late change. “Colbi is not coming,” Chimaev wrote on X. “He is scared.”
Dominant Performance on the Wrestling Mats
Chimaev established an early lead in the first period, accumulating five points through a series of takedowns and turns. While Weidman managed to force Chimaev to work for his positioning, the momentum remained with the UAE representative.
The match concluded in the second period following a restart. As Weidman attempted a slide-by maneuver, Chimaev successfully reversed the position to secure a four-point score. Weidman’s team issued a challenge to the officiating, but the challenge was denied.
The ruling awarded Chimaev the final point required for a 10-0 technical fall victory. “It feels good, it feels amazing,” Chimaev stated following his victory. “Anyone who wants to wrestle or fight, grapple, it doesn’t matter. I’m always ready.”
A Packed Card in Abu Dhabi
The event at Etihad Arena featured 13 matches, serving as the organization’s third international card of the year. The undercard included notable results, such as Arman Tsarukyan improving his RAF record to 9-1 with a 10-0 technical fall win over Neiman Gracie. Zabit Magomedsharipov secured a pinfall victory over Giga Chikadze in his promotional debut.
The event faced disruption earlier in the week due to a brawl at the fighters’ hotel involving Usman Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili, which led to card adjustments and arrests. Despite the chaos, the event proceeded as planned, streaming live on FOX Nation in the United States, STARZPLAY in the Middle East and North Africa, and on the RAF YouTube channel for global viewers.
Earlier coverage: Chimaev Dominates Weidman, 10-0, for Dominant RAF Win
