Real American Freestyle (RAF) makes its Middle East debut on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The event is headlined by a light heavyweight crossover championship match between UFC star Khamzat Chimaev and former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman.
Originally planned as Chimaev vs. Colby Covington for a cruiserweight crossover title, Covington withdrew due to injury. Weidman stepped in on short notice for the newly framed light heavyweight crossover championship bout. Chimaev enters with a strong RAF record (recent dominant wins including technical falls and shutouts), while Weidman (0-1 in RAF after a close loss to Covington earlier in 2026) brings NCAA Division I All-American wrestling credentials and extensive combat-sports experience.
Event Details and Start Time
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Start time: 8:00 p.m. Gulf Standard Time (GST) / 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) / 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT)
The card features a mix of pure freestyle wrestlers (Olympic and world-level talent) and MMA crossover athletes in RAF’s freestyle ruleset (typically three periods with points for takedowns, exposure, and pins/technical superiority).
Full Updated RAF Abu Dhabi Fight Card
Main Event
Light Heavyweight Crossover Championship: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Chris Weidman
Co-Main Event
Catchweight Crossover: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Neiman Gracie
Other Key Bouts
Welterweight Crossover: Zabit Magomedsharipov vs. Giga Chikadze
Light Heavyweight: Abdulrashid Sadulaev vs. Dauren Kurugliev
Cruiserweight Championship: Kyle Dake (c) vs. Alp Arslan Begenjov
Lightweight/Catchweight Crossover: Saba Lazishvili vs. Urijah Faber (Lazishvili replaced Umar Nurmagomedov)
Catchweight Crossover: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Marlon Moraes
Middleweight: Jordan Burroughs vs. Azamat Nurykau
Light Heavyweight Championship: Kyle Snyder (c) vs. Shamil Erdogan
Light Heavyweight Crossover: Murtaza Talha vs. Osama Elsaidy
Women’s Middleweight Crossover: Diana Avsaragova vs. Julianna Peña
Cruiserweight: Zahid Valencia vs. Khidir Saipudinov
Women’s Middleweight Championship: Kennedy Blades (c) vs. Bella Mir
(Card subject to final official confirmation; late changes occurred during fight week.)Sports.yahoo
Notable storylines include Olympic/world champions defending titles (Dake, Snyder, Blades), MMA veterans testing pure wrestling skills, and the late addition of 21-year-old Georgian wrestler Saba Lazishvili opposite Hall of Famer Urijah Faber.
How to Live Stream RAF Abu Dhabi Online
Streaming is region-specific:
United States: Live exclusively on FOX Nation. Subscribe at foxnation.com (or via the FOX Nation app on streaming devices, smart TVs, mobile, or as an Amazon Prime Video channel add-on). The broadcast begins at 11 a.m. ET.
Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Live on STARZPLAY.
Rest of the world (including many international markets): Official live stream on the Real American Freestyle YouTube channel. Check the RAF official accounts or YouTube for the exact stream link closer to start time.
FOX Nation typically requires a paid subscription (monthly or annual plans available). Unofficial free streams are not recommended and often violate copyright. For best results, use a stable internet connection, the official apps/websites, and confirm local availability as geo-restrictions may apply.
RAF events emphasize high-level freestyle wrestling with crossover appeal, producing decisive technical falls, pins, and competitive decision matches. Chimaev’s pressure style vs. Weidman’s experience and wrestling base makes the main event a must-watch centerpiece for the promotion’s Abu Dhabi debut.
Tune in Saturday at the times listed above for the full card live. For the latest updates, official results, or any last-minute changes, follow Real American Freestyle on their verified social channels and official site: www.realamericanfreestyle.com
