The city of Milwaukee was abuzz on Saturday night as Real American Freestyle (RAF) returned stateside for its eleventh installment, RAF 11, at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. The event, which aired live on Fox Nation at 8:00 p.m. ET, brought together a thrilling mix of wrestling legends, MMA veterans, and comeback stories that had fans on the edge of their seats. With a 12-bout card stacked with talent, the spotlight shone brightest on the main event—Arman Tsarukyan versus Colby Covington for RAF’s inaugural Cruiserweight Crossover Championship—and the co-main event, which saw the miraculous return of Ben Askren against former UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad.
RAF 11 marked the second consecutive week of action for the promotion, following its international debut in Georgia. This time, the stakes were higher, the crowd was louder, and the storylines were as compelling as ever. The main event pitted two unbeaten RAF competitors—Tsarukyan (7-0 in RAF for 2026) and Covington (3-0 in RAF for 2026)—against each other for the organization’s first crossover title, a belt designed specifically for MMA-based talent making waves on the wrestling mats.
Arman Tsarukyan, a name familiar to both MMA and wrestling fans, entered the bout as a heavy favorite. Over the last 14 months, Tsarukyan had compiled an impressive record, competing in 13 wrestling or grappling matches, winning 12 and drawing just one. He had also been a constant presence on every RAF card in 2026, most recently dominating Kuat Khamitov with an 11-0 technical fall in Georgia. That consistency, paired with his -650 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, made him the man to beat.
But standing in his way was Colby Covington, the ever-controversial, trash-talking former UFC star who had recently retired from MMA. Covington, once a two-time Pac-10 Champion at Oregon State, returned to his wrestling roots after dropping two straight MMA fights. Since then, he’d been on a tear, racking up three straight wins in RAF and earning his shot at the crossover crown. Despite being a +400 underdog, Covington’s reputation for intensity and unpredictability kept fans guessing. The pre-fight faceoff between Tsarukyan and Covington on Friday night was a spectacle in itself, featuring plenty of banter and a surprising display of sportsmanship. According to reports, “the two appeared to discuss each other’s clothing, shaking hands before and after they came face-to-face.” For Covington, who’s “long-standing reputation for getting along with practically no one” is well known, this was a rare olive branch and a testament to the competitive respect between the two athletes.
The co-main event delivered one of the most inspiring stories in recent sports memory: the return of Ben Askren, just 13 months after a life-saving double lung transplant. Before his illness, Askren had been scheduled to compete at RAF 01 in August 2025, but his health took a dramatic turn. After a harrowing recovery, Askren—one of the greatest collegiate wrestlers ever, with three Big 12 Championships, two NCAA Division I titles, and a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team—was finally back. His MMA career was storied as well, boasting a 19-2 record with 12 finishes and championship reigns in both Bellator and ONE. Saturday night marked his first wrestling match since 2009, and the anticipation was palpable.
Askren’s opponent, Belal Muhammad, is no stranger to the big stage. A former UFC Welterweight Champion, Muhammad came into the bout on a tough stretch, having lost three consecutive MMA fights and his only previous RAF match to David Carr in December 2025. Despite those setbacks, Muhammad was a heavy -3000 favorite against Askren, who was listed as a +1000 underdog. The odds, available on DraftKings Sportsbook in Iowa and Connecticut, reflected the uncertainty surrounding Askren’s return to competitive action after such a significant medical ordeal.
Beyond the top two bouts, RAF 11 offered a diverse lineup that showcased the depth of talent in the organization. The undercard featured a women’s strawweight championship clash between Lucia Lepez and Felicity Taylor, as well as high-profile matchups like Clay Guida vs. Frankie Edgar, Ben Davino vs. Arsen Harutyunyan, and Keegan O’Toole vs. Christopher Minto. Other notable bouts included Skylar Grote vs. Adeline Gray, Trent Hidlay vs. Magomedkhan Magomedov, Aeoden Sinclair vs. Magomed Ramazanov, Pat Downey vs. Zac Braunagel, Anthony Cassioppi vs. Mostafa Elders, and Michael Caliendo vs. Mirzo Khayitov.
RAF 11’s card was a testament to the promotion’s commitment to blending wrestling tradition with MMA star power. The crossover format has quickly become a fan favorite, attracting viewers who relish the chance to see fighters like Tsarukyan and Covington test their skills outside the confines of the octagon. The event’s live broadcast on Fox Nation allowed fans nationwide to tune in, while the electric atmosphere inside the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena reminded everyone why wrestling remains such an integral part of combat sports culture.
The anticipation for the main event was heightened by the fighters’ undefeated RAF records and the promise of securing the first-ever crossover championship. Both Tsarukyan and Covington had proven themselves against top-tier competition throughout 2026, but Saturday night’s clash represented a new level of challenge and prestige. As the action unfolded, fans were treated to a masterclass in technique, grit, and showmanship—hallmarks of both men’s storied careers.
Meanwhile, Ben Askren’s remarkable comeback provided one of the evening’s most emotional moments. His journey from the brink of death to stepping back onto the mat inspired athletes and spectators alike, reminding everyone of the resilience and determination that define true champions. Facing a formidable foe in Belal Muhammad, Askren’s performance was less about the odds and more about the spirit of competition and the human will to overcome adversity.
RAF 11 also offered its share of lighter moments. The pre-fight banter and surprisingly cordial faceoff between Covington and Tsarukyan added a touch of levity to the proceedings, showing that even fierce competitors can find common ground. As one report noted, “Despite Covington’s long-standing reputation for getting along with practically no one, Tsarukyan did find himself in the crossfire of much trash talk during their pre-match faceoff Friday…but the two appeared to discuss each other’s clothing, shaking hands before and after they came face-to-face.”
With the event still underway at press time, the final outcomes of the main and co-main events remain undecided. However, what’s already clear is that RAF 11 has delivered a night of high drama, elite competition, and unforgettable stories—cementing its place as one of the most anticipated events on the wrestling calendar. Whether it’s the crowning of a new crossover champion or the heartwarming return of a legend, RAF 11 has given fans plenty to cheer about and plenty to talk about in the days to come.
As the lights continue to shine on the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the action rolls on, all eyes remain fixed on the mats, waiting to see which athletes will seize their moment and etch their names into RAF history.