Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 19
Colby Covington Claims RAF Crossover Title, Beating Arman Tsarukyan 5-3
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 19

Colby Covington Claims RAF Crossover Title, Beating Arman Tsarukyan 5-3

3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Jul 19

Summary

  • Colby Covington won the inaugural RAF crossover title Saturday night in Milwaukee, edging Arman Tsarukyan 5-3 in the RAF 11 main event.
  • The bout matched two previously unbeaten RAF fighters and was billed as a score-settler between the RAF veteran Tsarukyan and retired UFC star Covington.
  • Belal Muhammad took the co-main event 6-3 over Ben Askren, who returned for one final match a year after a double-lung transplant.
  • RAF 11 also featured wins for Frankie Edgar, Adeline Gray and Keegan O’Toole on a card stacked with crossover names from MMA and wrestling.

Insights

With Colby Covington as champion, can RAF's crossover model make pro wrestling a mainstream sport?
What does Ben Askren's comeback after a double-lung transplant reveal about athletic recovery?
Is RAF's exclusive streaming deal a winning model for niche sports or a loss for fans?