Khamzat Chimaev (15-1) will headline Real American Freestyle’s first event in the Middle East on November 14 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The event begins a five-year partnership between RAF, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the UAE Wrestling Federation. Chimaev’s opponent has not yet been officially announced.
“Colby is not in the UFC right now. So, I think we are gonna rest on it in Abu Dhabi, and maybe I announced it too early. Sorry, guys,” Chimaev said.
Chimaev added to the speculation after defeating Gilbert Burns (22-10) by a 15-4 technical fall at RAF 13, then calling for a shot at Colby Covington’s RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Championship.
Covington responded later on the card by defeating Belal Muhammad 10-0 by technical fall to retain the title and improve to 5-0 in RAF. He has since said he would be open to facing Chimaev.
“Abu Dhabi’s going to be crazy. Arena will be five minutes from me, from my house,” Chimaev said.
Chimaev, a naturalized UAE citizen, is 3-0 in RAF with wins over Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley and Burns since losing the UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland in May.
RAF has not confirmed Covington as Chimaev’s opponent, with an official announcement expected in the coming weeks.