Chimaev to face former UFC champ Weidman for Light Heavyweight Crossover title
- Last updated: November 10, 2026 | 11:40
Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman will replace the injured Colby Covington to face Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of RAF Abu Dhabi this Saturday, November 14, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
The highly anticipated showdown will see Chimaev and Weidman compete for the RAF Light Heavyweight Crossover Championship as the organisation makes its Middle East debut.
The American made history in 2013 when he defeated Anderson Silva to end the Brazilian legend's record-breaking UFC middleweight title reign, before successfully defending the championship three times. A two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, Weidman brings an impressive wrestling pedigree and championship experience to the title clash.
Having returned to competitive wrestling with his RAF debut in May, Weidman now prepares for his first competitive appearance in Abu Dhabi against Chimaev, a former UFC middleweight champion known for his explosive takedowns and relentless pressure.
Speaking ahead of the event, Weidman said: “Wrestling has always been a huge part of my life, and I love competing against the best. Khamzat is a tough opponent, and having a title on the line makes this fight even more exciting. Abu Dhabi has hosted some of the biggest fights in the world, so getting the chance to compete here for the first time is special. I'm ready to go out there and give it everything I've got.”
RAF Abu Dhabi will also feature a star-studded card, with Arman Tsarukyan, Umar Nurmagomedov, Merab Dvalishvili, Julianna Pena and newly crowned five-time World Champions Kyle Dake and Kyle Snyder among the biggest names set to compete in the UAE capital.