Real American Freestyle expands with MMA crossover championship division

Real American Freestyle has announced a new championship designedexclusively for elite crossover athletes from combat sports.In a new social media post, RAF revealed details about thecompetition. The inaugural championship bout of the new crossoverevent will feature ArmanTsarukyan against former Ultimate Fighting Championship interim champion ColbyCovington.

RAF Crossover Championship creates new path for combat sportsathletes

RAF has introduced the RAF Crossover Championship, developedexclusively for high-profile crossover athletes from combat sports.The first cruiserweight match will take place at RAF 11 inMilwaukee, featuring Tsarukyan and Covington.The crossover will blend elite freestyle wrestling with MMA talent,offering marquee crossover matchups."A new championship arrives at RAF," RAF Wrestling's official Xaccount posted. "Introducing the RAF Crossover Championship.Created exclusively for crossover wrestlers from across the worldof combat sports.""The first chapter begins in Milwaukee with Arman Tsarukyan vs.Colby Covington. The inaugural Cruiserweight CrossoverChampionship," the post further read.Tsarukyan enters the matchup with a perfect 6-0 record under theRAF banner, having most recently dominated KuatKhamitov at RAF Georgia. Covington, meanwhile, is unbeatenthrough three RAF appearances, building on an accomplished amateurwrestling background that includes an NJCAA national championshipand NCAA Division I All-American honors. The former interim UFCwelterweight champion last edged ChrisWeidman at RAF 9.The event is set for July 18 at 8 p.m. ET in Milwaukee.