Overview
- Khamzat Chimaev challenged Colby Covington to a Real American Freestyle wrestling match targeted for RAF 07 on March 28 in Tampa.
- Replying to a fan on X, Chimaev said he is not injured and is “waiting for” Sean Strickland as his preferred next opponent.
- Sean Strickland signaled interest with an emoji reply after his recent TKO of Anthony Hernandez and post-fight callout of the champion.
- Reporters and commentators increasingly view Strickland as the likely challenger over Nassourdine Imavov, with voices like Brendan Schaub citing Strickland’s marketability.
- No bouts are official and UFC approval for a pre-defense RAF appearance is uncertain, as analysts such as Khalil Rountree Jr. forecast Chimaev’s wrestling advantage against Strickland.