Arman Tsarukyan dominated Urijah Faber in a wrestling match, winning 13-1 in the main event of RAF 08. The decisive victory showcased Tsarukyan's wrestling credentials against the former MMA champion. RAF 08 featured this high-profile wrestling bout between the current UFC lightweight contender and the MMA legend. The lopsided score reflects Tsarukyan's technical superiority in the wrestling format. This cross-over event highlights the growing trend of MMA fighters competing in pure grappling contests.
Arman Tsarukyan handed Urijah Faber a lopsided 13-1 defeat in a wrestling match that served as the main event of RAF 08 on April 19, 2026, underscoring the UFC lightweight contender's formidable grappling pedigree in a crossover format.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters 2026 as one of MMA's most dangerous 155-pound fighters. The Russian standout, who trains out of American Top Team, carries a 23-3 professional record and holds the number one ranking in the UFC lightweight division. His wrestling credentials are well-documented inside the cage, where he averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes — a rate that translates directly to the pure wrestling format on display at RAF 08. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, Tsarukyan also posts a striking accuracy of 50 percent and lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute, making him a complete threat at every range.
Faber, competing at 47 years of age, remains one of the most decorated figures in MMA history under his "The California Kid" banner. The Team Alpha Male founder carries a career record of 35-11 and built his legacy largely on a dynamic grappling game, averaging 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes over his professional career. Standing five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, Faber's frame and age presented a considerable challenge against a younger, physically gifted opponent in a pure wrestling setting.
Why it matters
- The 13-1 scoreline reinforces Tsarukyan's elite wrestling ability ahead of any future UFC lightweight title pursuit.
- Faber's willingness to compete in crossover grappling events at 47 keeps the MMA legend active and visible.
- RAF 08 reflects a broader trend of high-profile MMA athletes testing their skills in standalone wrestling and grappling competitions.
