Colby Covington backs Arman Tsarukyan for UFC lightweight title

Colby Covington left his RAF 11 wrestling match convinced that Arman Tsarukyan will win the UFC lightweight championship.

Covington outpointed Tsarukyan in a competitive bout that saw "Chaos" reverse two takedowns to secure the decision, per MMA Mania. The former UFC welterweight title challenger rarely extended respect to opponents during his fighting career, but he had nothing but praise for the Armenian grappler after the final whistle.

Covington predicts Tsarukyan dominance at lightweight

"Unbelievable match. I told him, man, you're gonna be the UFC Lightweight champ," Covington said on Submission Radio. "I'm so convinced. No one's gonna beat him at Lightweight, that's a perfect division. Justin Gaethje has no chance. The pace, the wrestling, the way he mixes it up with everything — no one's gonna stop him right now."

Covington added that he was in peak form for the match but still felt how good Tsarukyan was during their exchanges. He said he made a point to tell the lightweight contender how much he respects him and appreciates the opportunity to compete against him.

Tsarukyan has won five straight UFC fights and was scheduled to rematch Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound belt in January 2025 before that bout fell through. He has stayed active in RAF competition while waiting for his next UFC title opportunity.

Original reporting:

• mmamania.com — Colby Covington reveals surprising post-match message to Arman Tsarukyan: ‘You’re going to be UFC Lightweight champion’ | MMA Mania