This is the live blog for Colby Covington vs. Chris Weidman, the co-main event match at RAF 9 from College Park Center in Arlington, Tex. on Saturday night.
A former UFC welterweight interim champion, Covington officially notified the UFC of his retirement earlier this month, saying he wants to put all of his focus into RAF and his first love, wrestling. Covington is currently 2-0 in RAF, with wins over Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis, but Weidman represents a big step up in competition for the former NCAA All-American.
Soon to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, Weidman is a former UFC middleweight champion and two-time NCAA All-American wrestler. Weidman retired in MMA in 2024, but after he was called out by Covington for an RAF match, “The All-American” laced up the boots once again and is ready to make his return to competition.
Check out the live blog for Covington vs. Weidman below.
Weidman out with pyro and draped in the American flag. He’s got a knee sleeve on.
Covington out with the straps down, pyro going. He’s looking very serious for such a not serious thing.
Weidman is significantly bigger than Covington. Covington pressing forward but it works against him as Weidman uses the momentum for a throw getting two points. Weidman trying to turn a gut wrench but cannot pull it off.
Collar tie fighting here, and after a stall, referee warns Covington for something. They continue working in the tie-up. Covington tries a crack down, but he’s much smaller and can’t get anything off. And referee puts Covington on the shot clock.
He does change levels, shooting to a single leg and he gets deep in, but Weidman is counter wrestling the back leg and tries to even turn for back exposure. Covington also looking for back exposure in this scramble but I don’t know what’s happening. And just before the bell, another possible back exposure? We’ll see if that counts.
Scorboard currently says 5-0 Weidman, but there’s a challenge and no one knows what the score is supposed to be. Let’s sort this out.
So, after some deliberation, the judges settle the score at 4-2 for Weidman. Not sure how we got there, but that’s the score.
Collar tie fighting to start. Covington pressing forward but Weidman defending. Covington tries to duck under but Weidman with an underhook and almost takes him down. Covington stays wrestling though and gets to a slide by, scoring a takedown as Weidman appears to be getting tired.
Weidman has not been competing as regularly as Covington and Covington has always had a gas tank. This could go downhill for Weidman as he is definitely slowing. His defense is more labored and Covington keeps working hard in this tie-up.Weidman holding on now, not attacking.
Right into a tie-up. And Covington drops for a single off this, but Weidman defends and trying to work a snap down. Covington build back up and the referee puts Weidman on the shot clock. Weidman does not look concerned about forcing the issue here and he gives up the point.
Weidman looking tired as Covington keeps coming forward. And with short time Weidman shoots but Covington steps out. He shoots again but Covington defends and he will squeak by with a hard-fought win.
Colby Covington def. Chris Weidman via Points (5-4)
“Arman, you’re a spoiled little brat. You’ve been talking the talk, let’s see if you can walk the walk!”
He says some more, but Arman Tsarukyan shows up.
“Colby, today, you looked so bad.”
Seems like this is the next match. July 18th, Milwaukee. And we get a faceoff.
Read the full article here
