Colby Covington eyes new wrestling challenges after Belal Muhammad fight falls through

The proposed wrestling match between Colby Covington and Belal Muhammad is no longer happening. After weeks of speculation following their heated confrontation at Real American Freestyle (RAF) 11, Covington has confirmed that the matchup has been called off. Speaking to Submission Radio, the former UFC interim welterweight champion revealed that he is now looking at different opponents for his next appearance. Instead of facing Muhammad, Covington said he wants another match against Arman Tsarukyan after defeating him at RAF 11. He also expressed interest in testing himself against undefeated UFC star Khamzat Chimaev in a wrestling contest. His latest comments have shifted attention away from Muhammad and toward two of the biggest names in mixed martial arts.

Colby Covington has officially ended any hopes of a wrestling match against Belal Muhammad, despite the rivalry between the two continuing to grow. The matchup was expected after both fighters exchanged heated words during the RAF 11 post-event press conference. Their argument nearly turned physical before security stepped in to separate them. Soon after, reports suggested they could meet at RAF 12 in Cleveland. However, Covington has now revealed that those plans are no longer in place. During an interview with Submission Radio, he explained that the Belal Muhammad match is off and that he has no interest in moving forward with it. Instead, Covington said his focus has shifted to Arman Tsarukyan. He believes a second meeting would generate significant interest after their first wrestling contest at RAF 11. Covington surprised many fans by defeating the top UFC lightweight contender and capturing the inaugural RAF Crossover Championship. He now wants to prove that the first result was not a one-time performance. Covington also mentioned Khamzat Chimaev as another opponent he would like to face. Chimaev is widely regarded as one of the strongest wrestlers in the UFC. A match between the two would attract major attention from both wrestling and MMA fans. Speaking about Belal Muhammad, Covington suggested that there is no longer a reason to continue discussing the matchup. He was pissed after he threw a soccer kick at him and rushed to attack him like a "freaking animal". He indicated that his attention is now on opponents who offer bigger competitive challenges and greater excitement for fans. Regarding Arman Tsarukyan, Covington explained that another contest would allow both athletes to settle any remaining doubts after their first meeting. He believes a rematch would be an even bigger event because fans have already seen how competitive the first match was. Covington also praised Khamzat Chimaev’s wrestling skills and said he would welcome the opportunity to compete against him on the mat. He believes Chimaev’s reputation makes him one of the most interesting opponents available and said that testing himself against elite wrestlers is now his priority.