Arman Tsarukyan books match against Gracie family member on Covington vs Chimaev RAF card

Arman Tsarukyan now has two matches on the calendar for the final months of 2026.

The UFC lightweight star made a successful return to the Octagon in September, defeating Mauricio Ruffy to stake his claim for a shot at Justin Gaethje’s title.

While Tsarukyan awaits Gaethje’s decision on retirement, he will once again be staying active away from the cage in wrestling and grappling matches.

And after having a clash with Dillon Danis confirmed for the RAF 14 main event on October 23, the Armenian MMA star has another assignment set for just a few weeks later.

Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev will clash for the cruiserweight crossover championship on November 14.

Following RAF 13, the surging Real American Freestyle organization will debut in a fourth country.

While the bulk of the events have taken place in the United States so far, the RAF mats have also touched down in Georgia and Russia.

The next new territory will be Abu Dhabi, as Khamzat Chimaev challenges for Colby Covington’s crossover title in the main event at Etihad Arena on November 14.

Also heading to the Middle East for the event will be the debuting Umar Nurmagomedov, who wrestles MMA legend Urijah Faber, and a familiar face under the RAF banner in Tsarukyan.

The UFC lightweight star will make his tenth appearance in the promotion at RAF Abu Dhabi, where a member of the decorated Gracie family will meet him.

Tsarukyan is set to wrestle Neiman Gracie, a 4th generation member of the Gracie Family of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

THIS IS WHAT YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR 👀🔥 Arman Tsarukyan takes on Neiman Gracie at #RAFABUDHABI on NOV 14 at Etihad Arena. Get your tickets now at the link in bio. https://t.co/Co0e3OTIGG

The grandson of Gracie jiu-jitsu founder Carlos Gracie had stints in both Bellator and the PFL as an MMA heavyweight.

Neiman recently made an unsuccessful RAF debut, losing to UFC middleweight Shara Magomedov at RAF Moscow.

He will now attempt to follow in the footsteps of Covington, who is the only man to hand Tsarukyan a defeat in RAF so far.