Covington Dominates Danis in Wrestling Match at RAF 7

UFC fighter Colby Covington secures decisive tech fall victory over Dillon Danis at Real American Freestyle event in Tampa.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:21am

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In the co-main event of Real American Freestyle 7 in Tampa, Florida, UFC welterweight Colby Covington defeated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist Dillon Danis by technical fall with a score of 14-4. Covington, a former collegiate wrestling standout, overwhelmed Danis with his superior grappling skills, scoring multiple takedowns and exposure points to secure the victory in the second period.

Why it matters

This matchup between two high-profile MMA fighters competing in a wrestling-focused event generated significant interest, as it showcased the diverse skillsets of both athletes. Covington's dominant performance highlighted his wrestling pedigree and ability to translate those skills to success in a crossover competition.

The details

The match started with a flurry of exchanges, as Danis attempted to utilize his grappling expertise to counter Covington's wrestling. However, Covington's superior positioning and technique allowed him to gain control and steadily build up his scoring advantage. By the second period, Covington had completely taken over the match, repeatedly countering Danis' shots and turning them into his own scoring opportunities. The widening gap in the score eventually led to a technical fall victory for Covington.

  • The match took place on March 29, 2026 at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.
  • The co-main event of Real American Freestyle 7 featured the wrestling match between Colby Covington and Dillon Danis.

The players

Colby Covington

A former UFC interim welterweight champion and decorated collegiate wrestler, Covington has a strong background in folkstyle wrestling and previously demonstrated his dominance in his RAF debut.

Dillon Danis

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist known for his submission game and public profile outside of competition, this was Danis' first appearance in RAF competition.

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What they’re saying

“After the win, Covington spoke in his usual confident style, thanking supporters and referencing figures from wrestling culture. He also made a callout for another matchup, keeping his competitive tone alive after the victory.”

— Colby Covington

What’s next

Covington's dominant performance and callout for another match could lead to further crossover wrestling events featuring high-profile MMA fighters.

The takeaway

Colby Covington's technical fall victory over Dillon Danis at RAF 7 demonstrated the depth of his wrestling skills and ability to excel in a grappling-focused competition, even against an opponent known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise.