Colby Covington has intensified his war of words with Belal Muhammad after their heated confrontation at the RAF 11 post fight press conference, with the former UFC interim champion even suggesting their scheduled RAF 12 showdown may no longer happen.
The rivalry reached a boiling point in Milwaukee after both competitors picked up victories on the same night. Covington captured the RAF Crossover Championship with a win over Arman Tsarukyan, while Muhammad defeated Ben Askren. Moments later, promotional officials announced the pair would meet in the co main event of RAF 12 on August 22 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Instead of celebrating their victories, the two nearly came to blows during the press conference.
Tensions explode after RAF 11
The confrontation began when Muhammad interrupted Covington while he was answering a question. Covington responded by telling his rival to be quiet before exchanging verbal insults. The situation escalated further when Muhammad moved toward Covington and threw a kick before security intervened.
Speaking after the incident, Covington made it clear he was unhappy with Muhammad’s actions.
Just completely annoyed. Just an unprofessional little clown that Belal is. It’s embarrassing. I didn’t interrupt him when he was answering his questions, Covington said.
The newly crowned RAF champion also claimed Muhammad has spent years criticizing him publicly and bringing his family into their rivalry.
He’s been saying things about me for years. Say whatever you want. You don’t hurt my feelings, but taking a cheap shot like that was classless.
Covington questions RAF 12 matchup
While RAF quickly announced Covington versus Muhammad for its anniversary event, Covington admitted he is reconsidering whether the fight should happen at all.
I don’t even know if I’m going to go against him. We might pull that match and go for someone better, Covington said.
The 38 year old questioned Muhammad’s accomplishments in wrestling and criticized his performance against Ben Askren at RAF 11.
It took him till minute five to take down the dead guy that shouldn’t even be out there. Once Ben’s lungs literally stopped working, that’s the only time he got a takedown on him.
Covington added that Muhammad simply is not worth his time and insisted there are more deserving opponents available.
RAF champion wants fans to decide
Despite questioning the matchup, Covington later softened his stance by suggesting supporters should have the final say.
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he revealed that he wanted a live poll to determine whether RAF should proceed with Muhammad or book another challenger.
If the people truly want it, I’m willing to grant it. It’s going to be an easy match. I’ll destroy the guy in 90 seconds or less.
Covington also claimed his biggest concern is Muhammad’s behavior rather than his wrestling ability.
He’s not a professional. He’s a coward. I don’t want kids in that arena put in a dangerous situation if a brawl spills into the crowd.
He suggested alternative opponents could include Michael Chandler or former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman once he returns to competition.
Covington highlights RAF success
Covington enters RAF 12 with an unbeaten 4 and 0 record in the promotion.
His victories have come against Luke Rockhold, Dillon Danis, Chris Weidman, and most recently Arman Tsarukyan to capture the RAF Crossover Championship.
Muhammad, meanwhile, improved to 1 and 1 in RAF after defeating Ben Askren. His promotional debut ended in defeat against multiple time freestyle wrestling world champion David Carr at RAF 4.
Outside RAF competition, Muhammad has struggled in recent months, dropping the UFC welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena before suffering another loss against Gabriel Bonfim.
A rivalry years in the making
The animosity between Covington and Muhammad did not begin at RAF 11.
The pair have exchanged insults for years during their UFC careers, with Covington accusing Muhammad of previously claiming he only received UFC title opportunities because of “white privilege.”
Covington also criticized Muhammad’s popularity, arguing that UFC executive Hunter Campbell regularly books him in the Apex rather than larger arenas because of limited drawing power.
He doesn’t sell tickets. He’s been begging for this fight for years, Covington said.
Muhammad has yet to publicly respond in detail to Covington’s latest comments, although his actions at the RAF 11 press conference have ensured the rivalry remains one of the promotion’s biggest talking points.
RAF 12 still expected to feature heated showdown
Although Covington has floated the possibility of withdrawing from the matchup, RAF officials continue to promote the contest as part of the organization’s one year anniversary event in Cleveland on August 22.
Whether the fight ultimately happens or not, the heated exchange in Milwaukee has already added another layer of intensity to one of combat sports’ most personal rivalries.
If the bout goes ahead, both men will enter RAF 12 carrying plenty of unfinished business after one of the most explosive post fight press conferences the promotion has witnessed.
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