Colby Covington has officially secured the number one position in the first-ever Rise Amateur Fighting (RAF) crossover rankings, anchoring a star-studded list that features some of the most recognizable names in combat sports. The promotion unveiled its inaugural rankings on Monday, establishing a baseline for its unique crossover division, which highlights athletes primarily known for success outside of traditional wrestling circles who possess legitimate backgrounds in the sport and actively compete under the RAF banner.
Covington, the current RAF cruiserweight crossover champion, commands the top spot on the strength of an unblemished 5-0 promotional record. Known to fans as "Chaos," the outspoken veteran has carved out a dominant run inside the RAF circuit, securing high-profile victories over an impressive roster of elite martial artists. His resume under the promotion includes notable wins against top-tier competitors such as Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis, alongside statement victories over former UFC champions Belal Muhammad, Chris Weidman, and Luke Rockhold. Covington’s ability to transition his high-paced wrestling pedigree and grappling acumen into the RAF ruleset has solidified his status as the division’s premier standard-bearer.
Sitting right behind Covington at number two is former two-division UFC champion and current RAF lightweight crossover titleholder Henry Cejudo. With a promotional record of 2-1, Cejudo has proven to be one of the most dangerous and efficient competitors on the roster. His most defining moment under the RAF banner came at August’s RAF 12 event, where he put on a masterclass performance by securing a stunning 36-second pinfall victory over Merab Dvalishvili to capture the lightweight crossover championship. Cejudo’s elite wrestling credentials and championship experience have translated seamlessly into the crossover format, making him one of the most dangerous threats to Covington’s top-tier ranking.
Arman Tsarukyan enters the inaugural rankings at number three. Despite holding a stellar 7-1 record within the promotion—the most wins among the top-tier ranked athletes—Tsarukyan slots in just behind Cejudo as he continues to build momentum in the organization. Rounding out the top five of the pound-for-pound crossover rankings are former UFC champions Khamzat Chimaev at number four and Merab Dvalishvili at number five. Both fighters bring elite-level grappling backgrounds and extensive mainstream acclaim to the RAF crossover division, further elevating the prestige and competitive depth of the promotion’s rankings.
The release of the rankings arrives at a critical juncture for the organization, as RAF prepares to return this Friday with a massive, highly anticipated RAF 14 event in Las Vegas. The upcoming fight card is packed with high-stakes matchups that have the potential to completely reshape the newly established crossover rankings.
The main event of RAF 14 features a high-stakes showdown between Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis. The two competitors will square off with the inaugural middleweight crossover title hanging in the balance, offering Tsarukyan a massive opportunity to validate his positioning in the rankings and secure championship gold. Meanwhile, the co-main event promises fireworks as Khamzat Chimaev steps into the RAF arena to face former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. The clash between Chimaev and Lawler brings together two of the most relentless competitors in combat sports history, adding even more star power to an already loaded Friday night card in Las Vegas. As the promotion looks toward the weekend’s events, the newly minted rankings provide a clear picture of the competitive landscape as the top fighters in the sport vie for divisional supremacy.
