RAF 13: A Clash of Titans in Miami
The combat sports world is buzzing as RAF 13 (Real American Freestyle) prepares to take over Miami. This isn’t just another event; it’s a high-stakes showdown featuring some of the most polarizing and talented veterans from the UFC, transitioning their skills to the RAF mats. Whether you are a fan of technical wrestling or raw aggression, RAF 13 promises an unforgettable night of action.
The Main Event: A Grudge Match for the Ages
The spotlight shines brightest on the cruiserweight crossover championship, where Colby Covington faces off against Belal Muhammad. This is a fight fans have wanted for years, as both men were top contenders in the UFC welterweight division but never crossed paths in the Octagon.
Covington has transitioned seamlessly into the RAF ecosystem, establishing himself as a dominant force with a flawless 4-0 record in 2026. His path to the title has been paved with victories over heavy hitters like Chris Weidman, Dillon Danis, Luke Rockhold, and most recently, Arman Tsarukyan. For Belal Muhammad, this is a chance at redemption and gold; after a rocky debut, he rebounded with a clinical victory over Ben Askren, proving he belongs in the elite tier of this promotion.
The Co-Main Event: Chimaev vs. Burns Rematch
In a twist of fate, Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns are set to run back their legendary 2022 UFC 273 encounter. However, this isn’t an MMA fight—it’s a catchweight wrestling match.
Chimaev has been an absolute wrecking ball in RAF, securing lightning-fast pins over Dillon Danis and Tyron Woodley. On the other side, Gilbert Burns enters the RAF arena following his retirement from MMA, bringing a wealth of experience and a desire to prove his grappling prowess against the “Borz.” You can check more about the athletes’ backgrounds on the official UFC website to see how their styles have evolved.
RAF 13 Event Details: How to Watch
Make sure you have your calendar marked! Here is everything you need to know to catch the action live:
- Date: Friday, September 18
- Venue: Watsco Center at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
- Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Streaming: Available live on Fox Nation
The Complete RAF 13 Fight Card
Beyond the main events, the card is stacked with championship bouts and crossover matchups that are sure to deliver:
| Matchup | Division/Stakes |
|---|---|
| Colby Covington vs. Belal Muhammad | Cruiserweight Crossover Championship |
| Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns | Catchweight Wrestling |
| Kennedy Blades vs. Diana Avsaragova | Women’s Middleweight Championship |
| Austin DeSanto vs. Arsen Harutyunyan | Bantamweight Championship |
| Luke Rockhold vs. Joe Pyfer | Light Heavyweight Crossover |
| Jason Nolf vs. Julian Ramirez | Middleweight Championship |
| Johnni DiJulius vs. Cayden Henschel | Featherweight Crossover Championship |
With a mix of championship gold on the line and legendary rivalries reigniting, RAF 13 is set to be a landmark event in the growth of freestyle crossover combat. Who will leave Miami victorious?
