RAF officials are implementing comprehensive security measures and stricter refereeing protocols ahead of RAF 7, following concerns that multiple matches could descend into ringside mayhem. Ben Askren, who oversees the wrestling organization, has outlined new enforcement standards designed to prevent a repeat of the controversial incidents that marred the first encounter between Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas.
The Aftermath of Tsarukyan vs. Poullas 1 – What Went Wrong
The initial wrestling match between Tsarukyan and Poullas in Tempe deteriorated into chaos, with both competitors engaging in multiple illegal tactics including head slapping, eye pokes, and finger manipulation. Rather than facing disqualification, neither wrestler received such punishment despite referee warnings throughout the bout. The situation escalated dramatically when Tsarukyan, a top-ranked UFC lightweight, tackled Poullas to the ground immediately after the final buzzer and threw a punch, triggering a full-scale melee on the mat.
Askren was notably dissatisfied with the match's unprofessional nature. The tension had been building before they even stepped on the mats, as significant trash talk and personal animosity characterized their pre-match interactions. The actual wrestling, however, quickly descended from competitive sport into something far more chaotic and uncontrolled.
Unpacking the Controversial Strategy: Poullas' Game Plan Under Scrutiny
Askren has articulated a compelling theory regarding Poullas' approach to the first encounter. Rather than genuinely attempting to win through wrestling prowess, Askren believes Poullas employed deliberate provocation tactics specifically designed to antagonize Tsarukyan and trigger his well-known short temper.
According to Askren's analysis, Poullas' strategy appeared calculated to provoke Tsarukyan into throwing a punch during the match itself, which would have resulted in automatic disqualification and a victory for Poullas. Remarkably, Tsarukyan himself confirmed this assessment, noting that he deliberately waited until after the final buzzer to punch Poullas precisely to avoid being disqualified during the actual competition. This revelation demonstrates how gamesmanship and psychological manipulation had replaced legitimate wrestling technique in their encounter.
RAF's New Enforcement Protocol for the Rematch
Stricter Refereeing Standards in Place
For the Tampa rematch, Askren has mandated significantly tighter refereeing standards based on international freestyle wrestling rules. The new protocol establishes a three-strike system: wrestlers will receive cautions and penalties for illegal maneuvers, and accumulating three infractions results in automatic disqualification.
Specific techniques now flagged as illegal include hand jamming to the face and other non-wrestling tactics. Referees have been instructed to call these infractions immediately rather than issuing informal warnings. Both Tsarukyan and Poullas will receive explicit notice that the match will be officiated strictly according to established wrestling regulations, eliminating the previous looseness that allowed the first encounter to spiral out of control.
Enhanced Security and Crowd Management
Beyond refereeing adjustments, RAF has deployed additional security personnel positioned strategically around the mat area. Askren emphasized that the organization cannot permit a repeat of the chaotic brawl that followed their first meeting. The combination of stricter rule enforcement, better-prepared referees, and increased security aims to maintain professional standards while preventing confrontations from escalating beyond the mat.
The Covington vs. Danis Showdown – A Wrestling Skills Mismatch with Explosive Potential
Wrestling Credentials and Experience Disparity
The co-main event between Colby Covington and Dillon Danis presents a starkly different dynamic but carries equally concerning potential for chaos. Covington brings All-American credentials from Oregon State and demonstrated his wrestling dominance in his RAF debut, where he thoroughly outmatched former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold despite a significant size disadvantage.
Danis, while an elite grappler with world-class submission skills, never competed at the highest levels of wrestling. This fundamental difference in technical wrestling background sets Covington as a clear favorite on the mat. Askren expects Covington will control the match decisively, much as he did against Rockhold, exposing the gulf between college-level wrestling and high-level grappling.
The Danis Factor: Unpredictability and Rule-Breaking Risk
Askren has expressed serious concern about Danis potentially attempting illegal submissions during the wrestling match, including guillotine chokeholds or other techniques prohibited in freestyle wrestling. Danis' controversial history and unpredictable behavior make him a wildcard capable of igniting conflict if he feels outmatched on the mat.
The referee assigned to oversee the Covington-Danis bout will maintain equally tight control, with clear instructions that illegal techniques will result in immediate cautions and penalties. Askren emphasized that while Covington should wrestle by the rules as the experienced veteran, Danis represents the genuine threat for rule violations that could trigger another ringside incident.
Questions Surrounding Danis' Reliability and Commitment
Beyond competitive concerns, significant skepticism surrounds whether Danis will actually appear for the event. His history includes canceling boxing matches against KSI and recently withdrawing from a scheduled MMA fight against Anthony Taylor following an altercation at UFC 322. These precedents create legitimate doubt about his commitment to professional appearances.
Askren also questioned Danis' overall fighting credentials, noting his extremely limited fight history—roughly three bouts across eight years. Despite claims of being an MMA fighter, Danis' professional record and willingness to honor fight commitments remain questionable, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile matchup setup.
The Bigger Picture – Professional Wrestling Standards vs. Combat Entertainment
RAF faces the ongoing challenge of balancing legitimate competitive standards with the entertainment spectacle that attracts audiences. The decision to enforce rules more strictly represents a necessary correction following the Tsarukyan-Poullas debacle, but it signals that the organization prioritizes professionalism over uncontrolled chaos.
By establishing clear enforcement parameters and holding athletes accountable, RAF sets important precedent for future events. While stricter refereeing might reduce some dramatic tension, it ensures matches remain competitions rather than staged brawls, ultimately protecting athlete safety and the organization's credibility within the combat sports community.