Belal Muhammad RAF fight OFF as Colby Covington scraps match after post-fight brawl

Belal Muhammad’s RAF title fight with Colby Covington scrapped after brawl

Belal Muhammad’s planned crossover wrestling title fight against Colby Covington is off just days after their explosive post-fight press conference clash.

Colby Covington told Submission Radio he made the call to scrap the bout, citing Muhammad’s actions at RAF 11. The UFC rivals traded insults and nearly came to blows at the post-fight press conference on 17 July, where Muhammad threw a kick at Covington before security intervened.

Why Covington walked away from Belal Muhammad

Covington said he decided the matchup would never stay a wrestling contest after Muhammad’s post-fight behavior. “He’s on the mic claiming to be a man of the people,” Covington said. “Then he stands up and throws a sucker kick at me and runs across the stage to try and attack me. It’s just disgusting. There’s no professionalism on his side.”

The former interim UFC welterweight champion also questioned whether Muhammad would follow wrestling rules if they shared the mat. Covington claimed RAF officials knew he would beat Muhammad in a wrestling match, but that Muhammad would try to turn it into a brawl instead.

Belal Muhammad’s star power takes a backseat

Covington dismissed Muhammad’s drawing power, saying he prefers opponents who add more value to RAF. Instead, Covington wants to rematch Arman Tsarukyan, the man he just defeated for the RAF title at RAF 11 on 16 July.

“If Arman wants the rematch, we’re going to do the rematch,” Covington said. “I’m going to back it up. I’m going to prove I’m the best wrestler on the planet.”

The bad blood runs deep between Belal Muhammad and Colby Covington

The two have traded barbs for years, mostly over rankings and title opportunities without ever facing off in the Octagon. Covington repeatedly dismissed Muhammad as boring, while Muhammad accused Covington of receiving preferential treatment from the UFC.

Their latest feud flared after Covington’s first-round submission win over Tsarukyan at RAF 11. The post-fight press conference turned chaotic when Muhammad stormed the stage, leading to the scrapped matchup.