ABU DHABI — Combat sports fans turned their attention to the Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates as RAF Abu Dhabi delivered a star-studded, high-stakes match card featuring elite crossover bouts, championship implications, and a dramatic backdrop of pre-event turbulence.
Live from the venue on Saturday afternoon, MMA Fighting provided comprehensive coverage, including real-time results, round-by-round live blogs of the premier matchups, and ongoing updates from the heart of the UAE. Brought to fans globally via broadcast partners, the event quickly established itself as one of the most talked-about combat sports spectacles of the calendar year.
At the top of the marquee, the main event underwent a dramatic late-stage transformation. Former UFC champions Khamzat Chimaev and Chris Weidman stepped up to square off in a high-profile light heavyweight crossover title contest. The matchup materialized only after original plans fell through; Chimaev was originally slated to challenge RAF champion Colby Covington for the belt. However, Covington was forced to withdraw from the match due to unforeseen circumstances, clearing the path for Weidman to step into the spotlight and challenge the surging, undefeated-in-spirit contender at a heavier weight class.
The co-main event provided an equally compelling technical masterclass, featuring top-tier grappling and striking credentials as Arman Tsarukyan squared off against Neiman Gracie. The pairing brought together two of the most dangerous martial artists in their respective divisions, capturing the attention of purists and casual fans alike.
Beyond the championship implications at the top of the card, the event carried an undercurrent of genuine tension following an unsettling incident earlier in the week. Merab Dvalishvili and Saba Lazishvili competed on Saturday’s card despite enduring a turbulent week in Abu Dhabi. Just days prior, on Wednesday, both fighters were reportedly attacked by multiple individuals in their hotel lobby. Despite the security breach and the emotional toll of the incident, both athletes opted to press forward with their scheduled appearances, showcasing remarkable resilience to make it to the Etihad Arena cage.
Below is the complete match card and lineup for the RAF Abu Dhabi event, broadcast live on FOX Nation starting at 12 p.m. ET.
RAF Abu Dhabi Match Card
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Chris Weidman
The premier attraction of the afternoon featured Khamzat Chimaev stepping up against former middleweight kingpin Chris Weidman in a light heavyweight crossover title clash. With Chimaev’s original opponent, Colby Covington, withdrawing from the championship bout, Weidman seized the opportunity to test his veteran savvy and grappling pedigree against one of the sport’s most dominant and feared forces.
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Neiman Gracie
Serving as the evening’s co-main event, this matchup promised high-level mixed martial arts exchanges. Arman Tsarukyan, known for his relentless pace, suffocating wrestling, and evolving striking, met Neiman Gracie, a member of the legendary Gracie family renowned for world-class Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission savvy.
Zabit Magomedsharipov vs. Giga Chikadze
In a bout that sent shockwaves of excitement through the striking community, creative genius Zabit Magomedsharipov returned to action to face elite kickboxer Giga Chikadze. The matchup pitted two of the most aesthetically pleasing and diverse offensive arsenals in featherweight history against one another, offering a masterclass in range, unorthodox attacks, and elite pacing.
The supporting lineup further solidified the depth of the card, showcasing an extraordinary blend of elite freestyle wrestlers, seasoned mixed martial artists, and rising prospects across multiple weight classes and disciplines:
Abdulrashid Sadulaev vs. Dauren Kurugliev
Kyle Dake vs. Alp Arslan Begenjov
Urijah Faber vs. Saba Lazishvili
Jordan Burroughs vs. Azamat Nurykau
Kyle Snyder vs. Shamil Erdogan
Murtaza Talha vs. Osama Elsaidy
Julianna Peña vs. Diana Avsaragova
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Marlon Moraes
Zahid Valencia vs. Khidir Saipudinov
Kennedy Blades vs. Bella Mir
