RAF Insists Covington-Muhammad Fight Will Happen Despite Presser Brawl

Real American Freestyle co-founder Chad Bronstein says Colby Covington will face Belal Muhammad whether the former UFC welterweight champion likes it or not.

Covington and Muhammad were scheduled to meet in the co-main event of RAF 12 on Aug. 22 in Cleveland after both won at RAF 11. But Covington told Submission Radio he would no longer take the bout following a physical confrontation at the post-event press conference, where Muhammad threw a kick at Covington before security separated them. Covington questioned Muhammad's professionalism and suggested the former champion might use illegal moves in a wrestling match.

Bronstein Overrules Covington on RAF 12 Matchup

Bronstein, however, made clear that Covington does not have final say on his opponents. "Colby is an investor, but at the end of the day, Izzy [Martinez] and myself will make the decision for the matches," Bronstein told MMA Fighting. "He knows that. And two, he's going to wrestle Belal. The question is, is it going to happen in Cleveland, or is it going to happen in Miami? But he's definitely wrestling Belal."

Bronstein added that Covington will compete in Cleveland regardless of whether Muhammad shows up. If Muhammad pulls out, former UFC middleweight Brendan Allen would step in as a replacement. As of now, Muhammad remains booked for the Cleveland event.

The press conference scuffle caught Bronstein off guard despite the fighters' history of verbal sparring. "I thought there was going to be severe trash talk between the two of them," Bronstein said. "They don't like each other. But I didn't think there was going to be any physicality."

RAF 12 takes place Aug. 22 in Cleveland with the Covington-Muhammad bout scheduled as the co-main event.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — RAF refuses to let Covington-Muhammad rivalry fade away