Belal Muhammad ignites melee with Colby Covington during RAF 11 press conference

Belal Muhammad and Colby Covington nearly came to blows at the RAF 11 press conference in Milwaukee, escalating a years-long rivalry that never materialized during their UFC tenures. Muhammad had just competed at the wrestling-focused event, defeating Ben Askren via points in a retirement match, while Covington won the inaugural RAF crossover championship.

The tension erupted when both men appeared at the post-event press conference. Muhammad challenged Covington to fight a welterweight opponent his size, citing Cleveland's proximity. "Tell him to go against a welterweight, somebody his size! Cleveland's right around the corner! Let's go!" Muhammad said. Covington fired back dismissively, claiming Muhammad could only score against inferior competition. "Bro, you barely beat the dead guy!" he shot back. "This guy can only score on dead guy and gargoyles. That's it. You're a bum, bro."

The verbal sparring intensified until RAF officials announced that Covington and Muhammad would face each other in the co-main event of RAF 12 in Cleveland the following month. Rather than defuse tensions, the booking announcement prompted both fighters to escalate their rhetoric further. When Covington threatened to strike Muhammad, the former UFC welterweight champion stood and charged at his opponent. Before contact was made, Muhammad threw a kick that fell short. Covington then rushed at Muhammad, triggering a chaotic scene as team members and security intervened. After several moments of confusion and shoving, officials separated both fighters and escorted them out of the press conference.