Colby Covington already has a major wrestling match booked against Khamzat Chimaev. However, “Chaos” now wants another high-profile opponent before heading to Abu Dhabi.The Colby Covington Sean Strickland rivalry could reach the wrestling mat first. Covington has publicly offered to face Strickland at any weight on October 23. That comes after reports claimed a 10-pound disagreement prevented their original RAF matchup.
Colby Covington Calls for Sean Strickland Match
Colby Covington 17-5-0 responded after reports claimed he rejected a Real American Freestyle match against Strickland. The proposed bout was reportedly targeted for RAF 14 in Las Vegas on October 23.
Those reports claimed Sean Strickland 31-6-0 wanted the wrestling match at 200 pounds. Covington reportedly preferred 190 pounds, leaving both sides unable to reach an agreement.
Covington has now rejected that version of events. He called the report “fake news” and publicly offered to wrestle Strickland at any weight.
The former UFC interim welterweight champion also tagged people connected with RAF and asked them to book the match. His response potentially puts the matchup back into discussion.
Weight Disagreement Reportedly Stopped Original Match
The original plan would have given RAF another rivalry involving two outspoken former UFC opponents. Strickland and Covington have exchanged criticism publicly for years.
The weight difference created an understandable issue. Covington spent most of his MMA career competing at welterweight. Strickland has fought at middleweight and light heavyweight during his career.
Reports stated that RAF explored 200 pounds for Strickland and 190 pounds for Covington. Covington’s latest response suggests he no longer considers the weight an obstacle.
However, RAF has not officially announced Covington against Strickland for October 23. His public challenge therefore remains a callout rather than a confirmed booking.
Khamzat Chimaev Fight Is Already Official
Covington already has his next championship assignment confirmed. He will defend his RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Championship against Khamzat Chimaev on November 14.
Khamzat Chimaev 15-1-0 will challenge Covington at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Their long-running rivalry will finally produce a competitive matchup after years of UFC speculation.
Covington earned the RAF title by defeating Arman Tsarukyan. He later made his first successful defense by scoring a 10-0 technical fall over Belal Muhammad at RAF 13.
Chimaev also competed at RAF 13 and defeated Gilbert Burns by technical fall. The result continued his unbeaten start under RAF rules.
Could Covington Really Face Strickland Before Chimaev?
The dates make Covington’s proposal particularly interesting. RAF 14 takes place October 23, while his Chimaev championship defense follows on November 14.
That would leave Covington only three weeks between two physically demanding wrestling matches. Facing a much larger opponent like Strickland could also create unnecessary risk before a championship defense.
Covington appears willing to accept that challenge. Whether RAF wants its champion competing so close to the Abu Dhabi main event remains another question.
The promotion has already committed to Covington against Chimaev. Any injury against Strickland could threaten one of RAF’s biggest announced matches.
Strickland Adds Another Layer to the Chimaev Story
Strickland’s involvement also creates an interesting connection with Chimaev. The UFC middleweight champion handed Chimaev his first professional MMA defeat at UFC 328 in May.
Chimaev lost the title by split decision and has continued pushing for another opportunity against Strickland. He has remained active on the wrestling circuit while waiting for his next UFC booking.
Covington could therefore wrestle the man who beat Chimaev before facing Chimaev himself. That unusual sequence would add another storyline to their November title match.
The two already have plenty of history without Strickland. Covington has repeatedly questioned Chimaev’s conditioning, while Chimaev has targeted him as a major RAF opponent.
Covington Has Found Success Since Moving to RAF
Covington has become one of RAF’s most successful crossover competitors. His wrestling background has translated effectively after moving away from UFC competition.
He remains unbeaten through five RAF appearances. His run includes victories over Luke Rockhold, Dillon Danis, Chris Weidman, Tsarukyan and Muhammad.
The Muhammad performance was particularly dominant. Covington controlled the matchup from the beginning and secured the technical fall without conceding a point.
His success has given him several possible high-profile opponents. Covington had already targeted Chimaev and Kamaru Usman following his dominant win over Muhammad.
What Happens Next?
Covington has made his position clear, but the next move belongs to RAF and Strickland. No official announcement has confirmed the proposed October 23 match.
RAF would also need to consider Covington’s November championship commitment. Protecting the Chimaev main event could take priority over adding another major match three weeks earlier.
For now, Covington remains officially scheduled to defend his title against Chimaev. His Strickland challenge has simply opened another possibility before that showdown.
Final Thoughts
The Colby Covington Sean Strickland situation has changed quickly. A matchup that reportedly collapsed because of a 10-pound disagreement now has new life after Covington publicly offered to wrestle at any weight.
Nothing is official yet, and Covington’s November 14 championship defense against Chimaev remains confirmed. If RAF accepts his challenge, however, Covington could face two of the biggest names connected to his UFC rivalry history within just three weeks.
FAQs
Did Colby Covington call out Sean Strickland?
Yes. Covington publicly offered to wrestle Strickland at any weight on October 23 after disputing reports about their negotiations.
Why did Covington vs Strickland reportedly fall apart?
Reports claimed Strickland wanted the match at 200 pounds while Covington preferred 190 pounds. Covington later disputed the report.
Is Colby Covington vs Sean Strickland official?
No. Covington has issued a public challenge, but RAF has not officially announced the matchup.
When will Colby Covington face Khamzat Chimaev?
Covington and Chimaev are scheduled to wrestle on November 14 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Is Covington vs Chimaev a title match?
Yes. Covington will defend his RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Championship against Chimaev.
