Arman Tsarukyan headlines RAF 11 with Colby Covington for new crossover belt

Arman Tsarukyan headlines RAF 11 on July 18 in Milwaukee as he battles Colby Covington for the inaugural crossover championship belt.

What’s the fight about?

Either Arman Tsarukyan or Colby Covington will leave Milwaukee with a new title. The matchup was nearly blocked by the UFC earlier this year when Covington said the promotion blocked a Tsarukyan fight despite both men wanting it. The grudge match became official shortly after Covington announced plans to retire, turning the bout into a must-watch showdown.

Why does this matter for Arman Tsarukyan?

Tsarukyan and Covington are both undefeated in RAF, having starred in some of the promotion’s biggest fights. The cruiserweight clash at RAF 11 marks the first chapter of a new “crossover championship belt” designed for fighters who straddle multiple combat sports. Helwani confirmed the belt’s creation on The Ariel Helwani Show, calling it exclusive to crossover wrestlers from across combat sports.

What’s at stake beyond the belt?

The new title could pave the way for more crossover belts in other divisions where big names have crossed over. RAF already lists champions in various weight classes, though those titles are mostly held by full-time wrestlers. Tsarukyan and Covington’s clash could shift that balance and set a new standard for crossover stars.

What else is on the card?

RAF 11 also features Ben Askren’s wrestling return against Belal Muhammad. UFC veterans Clay Guida and Frankie Edgar square off in a lightweight bout. The card caps a year where Tsarukyan and Covington became key faces in Real American Freestyle’s growth, adding extra heat to their Milwaukee showdown.