Colby Covington signs to headline RAF 12 co-main event vs. Belal Muhammad on Aug. 22

Colby Covington will headline the co-main event of RAF 12 against Belal Muhammad on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, inside Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

What’s the fight about?

The matchup pits two welterweights with years of bad blood against each other. Covington and Muhammad have traded barbs since their UFC days but never met inside the Octagon. Their feud boiled over at the RAF 11 post-fight press conference, where Muhammad charged at Covington and kicked the cage after a heated exchange.

Why this fight matters for Colby Covington

Covington, now 4-0 under the RAF banner, defends his newly won RAF Cruiserweight Crossover title. His last outing saw him hand Arman Tsarukyan his first RAF loss in the main event of RAF 11. Before that, he beat Luke Rockhold, Dillon Danis, and Chris Weidman in the promotion.

Muhammad, meanwhile, enters on a 1-1 RAF record. He spoiled Ben Askren’s return and final match in the co-main event of RAF 11. His lone loss came in his RAF debut to David Carr, a two-time NCAA Division I national champion.

What to expect from the card

RAF 12 features a stacked card beyond the Covington-Muhammad clash. Jordan Burroughs, a wrestling legend, headlines opposite Sean Brady. Bo Nickal, Tyron Woodley, and Joaquin Buckley also appear on the bill.

How to watch

The event takes place on Aug. 22, 2026, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Coverage details and ticket information are expected closer to fight week.