Arman Tsarukyan is set to face former UFC interim champion Colby Covington in the main event of RAF 11 on July 18 in Arlington, Texas.
The matchup was announced after Tsarukyan competed in his fifth Real American Freestyle wrestling match at RAF 9 in Arlington, where he defeated Keelon Jimison. The bout with Covington will top the card for the Real American Freestyle promotion.
Tsarukyan has openly targeted big-name opposition in RAF. "Tony Ferguson is a big name," Tsarukyan said. "When I was starting my UFC career, he was already a legend and already fighting for the belt. A lot of people know him in Russia and Armenia. He's so popular. It's good to have Tony Ferguson on my list, and of course, Colby Covington. He's focusing on wrestling; he has a big name, and he thinks he's the best MMA wrestler, but I disagree, and I want to show I'm the best here."
Between UFC appearances, Tsarukyan has leaned on Real American Freestyle to stay active. "As a UFC fighter, you can't compete so often – two times a year, three times a year," he explained, adding, "If it's not RAF, I would train with my guys six, seven rounds with no crowd or no money. Is better to come here and show up, get some experience, have fun and wrestle. It's the best for the MMA fighters and wrestlers. I'm so happy that they created such a good league."
