RAF08 featured multiple wrestling matches with notable results. Arman Tsarukyan defeated Urijah Faber by technical superiority 13-1 in the third round. Kyle Snyder defeated Rizabek Aitmukhan 12-6 on points. Shamil Sharipov defeated Anthony Cassiopi by pinfall in the first round. Zachid Valencia, Helen Marulis, Real Woods, Jason Nolf, Vladimir Khinchegashvili, Lance Palmer, Jordan Oliver, and Lucas Bird all secured victories in their respective bouts. The event showcased a range of wrestling disciplines and scoring methods including technical superiority, points decisions, and pinfall victories.
Arman Tsarukyan put on a commanding performance at RAF08 on April 19, 2026, submitting Urijah Faber by technical superiority with a lopsided 13-1 score in the third round. Kyle Snyder and Shamil Sharipov also earned notable victories on the card, which showcased a range of wrestling disciplines.
Tsarukyan, 29, holds a 23-3 record and is currently ranked number one in the UFC lightweight division. The Russia-born fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach. In MMA competition he averages 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and is one of the division's most active wrestlers, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Faber, fighting at 47 years old, carried a 35-11 record into the bout. The California Kid is a five-foot-six veteran from the United States who trains with Team Alpha Male and built his career reputation on submissions, averaging 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes in MMA alongside 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Elsewhere on the RAF08 card, Kyle Snyder defeated Rizabek Aitmukhan 12-6 on points, and Shamil Sharipov needed only the first round to pin Anthony Cassiopi. Zachid Valencia, Helen Marulis, Real Woods, Jason Nolf, Vladimir Khinchegashvili, Lance Palmer, Jordan Oliver, and Lucas Bird each picked up wins in their respective matches.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's dominant technical superiority margin over a seasoned veteran reinforces his standing as the top-ranked UFC lightweight contender.
- The RAF08 card demonstrated the crossover appeal of competitive wrestling events featuring fighters from combat sports backgrounds.
- Snyder and Sharipov's performances added to the event's depth across multiple wrestling formats and scoring systems.
