Ben Askren shares prediction for Arman Tsarukyan vs. Colby Covington at RAF

Ben Askren has weighed in on the upcoming RAF 11 heavyweight wrestling showdown between Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington, scheduled for July 18 at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee. The matchup will headline the event and feature two of the sport's most accomplished grapplers at 185 pounds.

Askren acknowledged the difficulty in picking a winner, describing the contest as "a coin flip" despite Covington's size advantage over Tsarukyan, who is moving up in weight. Covington has previously competed at even heavier divisions, giving him a physical edge. Askren noted that while Tsarukyan boasts an undefeated record at RAF with notable wins over Georgio Poullas (twice), Lance Palmer, Urijah Faber, and others, Covington brings similar pedigree with victories over Luke Rockhold, Dillon Danis, and Chris Weidman.

Askren ultimately sided with Tsarukyan, predicting a narrow decision victory. Covington recently departed the UFC after his final appearance in 2024 to focus exclusively on RAF, while Tsarukyan has been actively competing in the wrestling league while awaiting a UFC lightweight title shot. Tsarukyan has expressed confidence, predicting he will defeat Covington 10-0.