Arman Tsarukyan dominated Urijah Faber in a wrestling match at a RAF (Real Action Fighting) event, winning 13-1. During the bout, Tsarukyan threw Faber outside the mat boundaries and executed a high-amplitude throw. This was described as one of the main news items from the UFC RAF event this week. The lopsided victory showcases Tsarukyan's grappling prowess against the legendary former fighter. Further details about the specific event or context are limited in the post.
UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan turned in a dominant grappling performance against MMA legend Urijah Faber at a Real Action Fighting event, winning their wrestling match by a lopsided 13-1 score.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters 2026 as one of the most dangerous fighters in the world at 135 pounds and below. The Russian standout from American Top Team carries a 23-3 professional record and holds the number-one ranking in the UFC lightweight division. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he averages 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and is a relentless wrestling threat, recording 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. That grappling volume was on full display here, as he threw Faber outside the mat boundaries and landed at least one high-amplitude throw during the contest.
Faber, now 47 years old, has long been retired from active MMA competition. The California Kid finished his professional career with a 35-11 record and remains one of the most celebrated fighters in the sport's history. At five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, he was a sharp striker and capable wrestler during his prime, averaging 2.65 significant strikes per minute and 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career.
Why it matters
- The result reinforces Tsarukyan's reputation as one of MMA's elite grapplers heading into what figures to be a pivotal stretch at lightweight.
- The 18-year age gap between the two competitors adds significant context to the scoreline.
- While the match took place outside the UFC and carries no rankings implications, it offers a rare competitive look at Tsarukyan in a pure wrestling format.
