Arman Tsarukyan defeated Urijah Faber by technical superiority with a score of 13-1 in the third round at the RAF 8 wrestling tournament. The event featured multiple wrestling matches between MMA fighters and wrestlers. Kyle Snyder defeated Rizabek Aitmukhanov by points 12-6, while Zahid Valencia beat Aiden Sinclair 8-2. Other notable results included Shamil Sharipov pinning Anthony Cassiopi in round one, and Helen Marulis defeating Alexis Yaniak by technical superiority 10-0 in round two. The tournament showcased crossover wrestling competitions featuring prominent fighters from various combat sports backgrounds.
Arman Tsarukyan added a wrestling trophy to his combat sports resume on April 19, 2026, defeating MMA veteran Urijah Faber by technical superiority with a score of 13-1 in the third round at the RAF 8 wrestling tournament, an event that brought together prominent fighters and wrestlers in crossover competition.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters any competition with serious credentials. The Russian lightweight is currently ranked number one in the UFC's 155-pound division and carries a professional MMA record of 23-3. Fighting out of American Top Team, he averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes in MMA competition, a figure that underscores the wrestling pedigree he put on display at RAF 8. His 72-inch reach and strong grappling base have long made him one of the most complete fighters in the lightweight division.
Faber, now 47 and long retired from active MMA competition, has remained a fixture in combat sports through his Team Alpha Male gym and occasional crossover appearances. The California Kid finished his MMA career with a record of 35-11, built largely in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. At five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, he was giving up measurable size to Tsarukyan throughout the match.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's dominant wrestling performance reinforces his standing as a complete grappler heading into whatever comes next in his UFC lightweight campaign
- The RAF 8 event highlighted a growing trend of MMA fighters competing in crossover wrestling formats
- Other notable results on the card included Kyle Snyder defeating Rizabek Aitmukhanov 12-6, Zahid Valencia topping Aiden Sinclair 8-2, Shamil Sharipov pinning Anthony Cassiopi in round one, and Helen Marulis defeating Alexis Yaniak by technical superiority 10-0 in round two
