Rosas Jr. volunteers on the spot to replace Danis against Covington at Hype FC Rome

Raul Rosas Jr. will face Colby Covington in a submission-only grappling match at Hype FC on 3 November at Pala Pellicone in Rome, after Dillon Danis pulled out of the originally scheduled contest.

Hype FC CEO Armand Martirosian announced the withdrawal at Sunday’s press conference and called for a replacement. Rosas, who was in attendance, immediately volunteered. “Let’s do it, f*ck it… Chiwiwis!” the 20-year-old said from the floor.

The matchup pairs fighters from different weight classes. Covington built his UFC career at welterweight, where he held the interim title, while Rosas competes at bantamweight. Covington last fought in December 2024, suffering a loss to Joaquin Buckley, and has since informed the UFC of his retirement from mixed martial arts. Rosas, by contrast, arrives on a six-fight winning streak, most recently stopping Raoni Barcelos by fifth-round TKO.

Danis’s withdrawal is the latest in a pattern of late pullouts that have dogged his return to competition. He had been booked to meet Covington in the submission-only format, but no reason for his exit was given at the press conference.

Both men have additional commitments later in November. Covington is set to face Khamzat Chimaev in a Real American Freestyle wrestling match at RAF Abu Dhabi on 14 November, while Rosas takes on Clay Guida at RAF 15 on 28 November. The Hype FC clash in Rome now serves as a warm-up for both fighters ahead of those bouts.