Colby Covington’s ‘Gross’ Belal Muhammad Remarks Spark Ben Askren’s Fury at RAF 11

Colby Covington’s crude remarks about Belal Muhammad and his wife at RAF 11’s press conference drew sharp criticism from Ben Askren, who called the UFC star’s comments ‘terrible human-being stuff’ and vowed to keep his distance.

On 18 June at Real American Freestyle 11 in the United States, Colby Covington mocked Belal Muhammad’s appearance before insulting Muhammad’s partner during a press conference. Askren, who lost 6-3 to Muhammad in the co-main event, slammed Covington’s remarks as crossing a line.

What happened at the RAF 11 press conference?

Covington first congratulated Muhammad on becoming a father, then asked, “Who the f- let you hit?” before calling Muhammad “one of the ugliest” people he’d seen. He added that Muhammad’s partner “must look like a gargoyle,” a remark that drew immediate backlash. Askren, a former Bellator champion and Olympic wrestler, called the comments “gross” and said he had no interest in rebuilding a relationship with Covington.

Askren, 42, also wrestled at RAF 11, describing the match against Muhammad as his final wrestling bout. He stressed that while trash-talking is part of the business, targeting families is unacceptable. “Don’t bring Belal’s wife into it,” Askren said. “I think a lot of the things he does are just kind of gross.”

Why did Ben Askren criticize Colby Covington?

Askren made clear he holds no grudges but won’t tolerate Covington’s behavior. “I try not to hold grudges, but Colby just rubs me the wrong way because he doesn’t say good things about people,” Askren said. He pointed to Covington’s UFC-era rivalry with Muhammad, though the two never fought inside the Octagon.

The former interim UFC welterweight champion has a history of heated exchanges with Askren, dating back to their welterweight days. Askren’s double lung transplant in recent years hasn’t softened his stance. “He can choose to do that, but I’m probably not going to engage,” Askren added.

How did Colby Covington respond to the criticism?

Covington, who faced Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 11, took a different view. He said he’s willing to leave the past rivalry behind and credited Askren for supporting Real American Freestyle. “I’m willing to take the high road, and I’m just grateful for Ben and him being behind the scenes at RAF,” Covington said.

Still, Covington admitted tensions remain. “Definitely, you can still see some friction there,” he said. “For whatever reason, Ben doesn’t like me.” He framed their issues through their UFC years, when both were established names but never met in competition.

What’s next for Colby Covington after RAF 11?

Covington’s focus remains on his own career. He headlined RAF 11 and expressed no ill will toward Askren, despite the friction. “That doesn’t mean that I don’t still want him to succeed,” Covington said. “I’m thankful to have headlined a card with him.”

Askren, meanwhile, isn’t interested in extending the conversation. His post-fight comments suggest he’ll keep his distance from Covington, even as both men operate within the same wrestling promotion’s orbit.