Chad Bronstein explains why Tsarukyan vs Covington needs to happen outside the UFC

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington have both been told they can’t compete by the UFC, but Chad Bronstein is hoping to change that.

The lightweight contender has been building his profile outside the octagon, taking on various challenges since his last fight against Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in November. His star power has only grown during this stretch, boosted by appearances and a few standout performances.

Tsarukyan is now interested in facing former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington, who is also waiting for a chance to return to action. While a fight between them wouldn’t fit into the UFC’s plans due to their weight classes, even getting it booked through RAF Wrestling has hit some promotional obstacles.

Chad Bronstein has a plan to make Arman Tsarukyan vs Colby Covington happen

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Arman Tsarukyan is scheduled to fight Urijah Faber this Saturday at RAF08 in Philadelphia, while Colby Covington will return at RAF09 on May 30. The two recently exchanged words following their co-headlining wins over Georgio Poullas and Dillon Danis.

Despite this, the UFC has generally avoided booking matches between active fighters for non-promotional events. Chad Bronstein, the head of RAF Wrestling, is trying to argue why this particular matchup should be an exception.

“I haven’t really talked to Hunter [Campbell] about Colby and Arman yet,” Bronstein told Bloody Elbow. “They want to wrestle each other and they’ve been talking about it.

“The thing is that Colby and Arman will never fight in the UFC, ever. They’re two different weight classes in the UFC and it’s just not going to happen… We’re not competitive to UFC, I think it’s a great additive approach for everybody.”