Weidman steps in as Covington injury forces late reshuffle for Chimaev's RAF Abu Dhabi title bout

Chris Weidman has been drafted in to face Khamzat Chimaev for the Real American Freestyle light heavyweight crossover championship at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on 14 November, after Colby Covington was forced to withdraw from the headline bout due to injury.

Real American Freestyle confirmed the replacement on Monday. Chimaev had originally been scheduled to challenge Covington for the cruiserweight crossover title, but the change of opponent also brings a change of belt, with the light heavyweight crossover championship now on the line.

Covington’s withdrawal comes just days after a damaging result in Rome. On 3 November, the former UFC welterweight contender was submitted by UFC bantamweight Raul Rosas Jr. in a grappling contest at Hype FC, with Rosas securing a rear-naked choke in approximately 40 seconds. Covington had entered that event having won five consecutive RAF matches.

Chimaev arrives in Abu Dhabi in strong form on the RAF circuit. The former UFC middleweight champion has recorded victories over Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns, and most recently defeated Robbie Lawler at RAF 14 in October.

Weidman, himself a former UFC middleweight champion, has only one previous RAF appearance to his name — a decision loss to Covington at RAF 9 in May. He now faces a significantly tougher assignment against Chimaev, who has yet to lose on the promotion.