RAF Wrestling Boss Makes Case for Tsarukyan vs. Covington Dream Match

UFC can't make the fight happen due to weight class differences, but RAF Wrestling is open to hosting the matchup.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:05pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a wrestling match between two figures, their bodies and movements fragmented and abstracted into sharp, angular shapes and planes of color.The RAF looks to capitalize on the rivalry between two of the UFC's top stars with a unique wrestling exhibition.Philadelphia Today

Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington, two top UFC fighters, have expressed interest in wrestling each other, but the UFC is hesitant to allow active competitors to participate in outside activities. Now, RAF Wrestling boss Chad Bronstein is making the case for why this would be a great exception, noting that the two fighters will never compete against each other in the UFC due to weight class differences.

Why it matters

This potential matchup between Tsarukyan and Covington would generate significant interest among MMA fans, as both fighters are known for their elite wrestling skills. While the UFC may be reluctant to allow the fight to happen, RAF Wrestling's openness to hosting the event could provide an opportunity for the two athletes to showcase their abilities in a high-profile grappling match.

The details

Tsarukyan, a top lightweight contender, and Covington, a former interim welterweight champion, have been engaging in a war of words following their recent victories in RAF Wrestling events. Despite the UFC's hesitance to allow active competitors to participate in outside activities, Bronstein believes that this matchup would be a great exception, as the two fighters will never compete against each other in the UFC due to their weight class differences.

  • Tsarukyan is set to return to RAF Wrestling this Saturday, April 16, 2026, in Philadelphia.
  • Covington is scheduled to compete at RAF09 on May 30, 2026.

The players

Arman Tsarukyan

A top lightweight contender in the UFC who has been taking on various non-fighting activities, including competing in RAF Wrestling events.

Colby Covington

A former interim welterweight champion in the UFC who is also awaiting a return to fighting and has expressed interest in wrestling Tsarukyan.

Chad Bronstein

The boss of RAF Wrestling, who is making the case for hosting a matchup between Tsarukyan and Covington despite the UFC's hesitance to allow active competitors to participate in outside activities.

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What they’re saying

“I haven't really talked to Hunter [Campbell] about Colby and Arman yet. They want to wrestle each other and they've been talking about it.”

— Chad Bronstein, RAF Wrestling Boss

“The thing is that Colby and Arman will never fight in the UFC, ever. They're two different weight classes in the UFC and it's just not going to happen... We're not competitive to UFC, I think it's a great additive approach for everybody.”

— Chad Bronstein, RAF Wrestling Boss

What’s next

If the UFC approves the matchup, Tsarukyan and Covington could potentially face off in a high-profile grappling event hosted by RAF Wrestling in the near future.

The takeaway

This potential matchup between Tsarukyan and Covington highlights the growing interest in crossover events between MMA fighters and other combat sports, as well as the challenges in navigating the promotional landscape to make these types of matches happen.