Ben Askren breaks down Arman Tsarukyan vs. Colby Covington, picks the winner at RAF 11

Ben Askren, fresh off his own wrestling return at RAF 11, has broken down the promotion's main event showdown between undefeated RAF competitor Arman Tsarukyan and former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington.

Tsarukyan arrives at the match with a perfect 7-0 RAF record and has dominated the promotion's competition since his debut. However, Covington represents a significant step up in competition—a former Division I All-American wrestler from Oregon State and a naturally larger athlete who spent most of his UFC career at 170 pounds.

Asked to analyze the bout, Askren noted the critical difference between elite wrestling credentials and current wrestling sharpness. While Covington earned All-American honors around 2008–2009, Askren stressed that stepping away from wrestling for 15 to 20 years creates significant skill deterioration. "MMA is not the same as wrestling," Askren explained. "There are similarities but they're not the same." Askren did observe that Covington showed fatigue in recent competition, though less than some opponents.

Asking identified Tsarukyan's front headlock and chest wrap positioning as a particular strength that could prove decisive if Covington initiates wrestling exchanges. However, Askren ultimately favored Covington, citing his size advantage and superior overall wrestling foundation. If Covington can effectively use his strength and execute clean leg attacks, Askren believes the former UFC interim champ will control the match. "I'd probably lean just slightly to Colby just due to his size advantage," Askren said of what he described as a highly competitive affair.