Following his commanding 13-1 technical fall victory over Urijah Faber at RAF 8, Arman Tsarukyan immediately set his sights on a marquee opponent. Rather than waiting for his next predetermined challenger, the UFC lightweight contender boldly called out fellow fighter Colby Covington, setting the stage for what could become one of wrestling's most anticipated cross-promotional contests. This unexpected challenge has sparked significant conversation within both the MMA and wrestling communities about the feasibility and implications of such a high-profile matchup.
The Call-Out That Captured Everyone's Attention
Tsarukyan's decisive victory over Faber demonstrated his wrestling superiority at the highest level, earning a lopsided technical fall that left no doubt about his dominance. Rather than rest on these laurels, the UFC fighter immediately pivoted toward securing a more prominent challenge. Covington, scheduled to face former UFC champion Chris Weidman at RAF 9 in May, became the target of Tsarukyan's ambitions.
The strategic calculation behind this call-out reveals Tsarukyan's understanding of combat sports marketing and legacy building. Just as fighters in MMA prioritize high-profile opponents over safer matchups, Tsarukyan recognized that Covington represents the ultimate test and the greatest opportunity for mainstream attention. When asked about his reasoning, Tsarukyan drew a clear parallel: choosing between two opponents, he would always select the bigger name, comparing it to picking Conor McGregor over Justin Gaethje if given the choice.
Covington's response on stage was surprisingly receptive, acknowledging the challenge despite already having a scheduled bout. This immediate acceptance suggested both fighters recognized the magnitude of a potential collision between two elite wrestlers operating at the highest levels of combat sports.
Two UFC Wrestlers, One Wrestling Ring
Dominance in Different Arenas
Both Tsarukyan and Covington have established themselves as exceptional grapplers within the UFC ecosystem. Their wrestling credentials are beyond dispute, with each maintaining impressive track records in professional competition. Tsarukyan's recent dominant performance at RAF 8 reinforced his status as one of the sport's elite wrestlers, while Covington brings years of proven success in both MMA and wrestling environments.
What makes this potential matchup particularly compelling is that it would represent a direct comparison between two warriors whose wrestling excellence has been developed and tested in the UFC, the world's premier mixed martial arts organization. Rather than wrestlers transitioning into MMA, this would involve elite MMA fighters applying their wrestling mastery in a pure grappling context. This reversal of the typical career arc adds a fascinating dimension to the narrative.
The Psychological Edge
Tsarukyan's confidence borders on audacious when discussing the potential encounter. The UFC lightweight contender has publicly stated he aims for a 10-0 victory, reflecting scoring terminology in wrestling competition. This isn't merely about winning—Tsarukyan has explicitly stated his intention to dominate and embarrass his potential opponent, with particular focus on silencing Covington's well-documented verbal prowess.
The psychological dimension of this matchup extends beyond typical pre-fight banter. Tsarukyan's stated objective to secure a first-round technical fall and "kick his ass" reveals a fighter seeking not just victory but definitive, undeniable superiority. This mindset distinguishes his approach from calculated, businesslike wrestling—he's motivated by the desire to prove absolute dominance and erase Covington from wrestling relevance.
Administrative Hurdles and Promotional Approval
While the appeal of this matchup is undeniable, significant obstacles stand between current discussions and actual competition. UFC policy typically prohibits active fighters under contract from competing in other professional combat sports, particularly in high-profile events like RAF. This creates a substantial legal and contractual barrier that requires overcoming.
Recognizing this challenge, Covington has reportedly engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations with UFC management, specifically discussing the matter with Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell. These conversations suggest that the promotion's leadership isn't immediately dismissing the idea, though approval remains uncertain. One potential pathway forward involves the weight class difference between the two fighters—Tsarukyan competes as a lightweight while Covington operates at a heavier division, which might theoretically provide a framework for allowing the bout under certain circumstances.
To date, the UFC has not granted active fighters permission to compete in RAF, making any approval for Tsarukyan versus Covington a significant precedent. However, the growing mainstream interest in wrestling competition and the star power both fighters represent might convince promotional leadership to make an exception, particularly if negotiated with appropriate safeguards.
A Match That Transcends Wrestling
The Bigger Picture for Combat Sports
Beyond the technical aspects of wrestling excellence, this potential matchup represents something larger within combat sports culture. Tsarukyan's eagerness to pursue Covington rather than automatically accepting whatever opponent is offered reflects a broader philosophy about fighter autonomy and marketability. In professional fighting, choosing opponents strategically based on their drawing power and competitive prestige has become standard practice.
The bout would demonstrate how elite MMA wrestlers can elevate pure wrestling competition through star power and compelling narratives. It's not merely about technical skill—it's about bringing the drama, personality, and mainstream appeal of mixed martial arts into the wrestling arena. For an organization like RAF seeking to expand its audience and significance, having two prominent UFC figures competing represents invaluable promotion and credibility.
The Ripple Effect
Should this matchup materialize, its consequences would extend far beyond the individual bout. Success would likely encourage other cross-promotional opportunities, potentially reshaping how elite fighters approach their overall career trajectories. Both wrestlers would solidify their wrestling legacies regardless of outcome, though victory for either would carry substantial weight in determining wrestling supremacy among UFC-level competitors. The bout could also accelerate broader acceptance of MMA fighters competing in specialized wrestling events, opening new pathways for athlete development and competition.