Arman Tsarukyan delivered a dominant performance in his RAF wrestling debut, defeating UFC legend Urijah Faber by a score of 13-1. The victory included dramatic moments where Tsarukyan threw Faber outside the mat boundaries and executed a high-amplitude throw. This result represents a significant statement for Tsarukyan in the wrestling world, showcasing his grappling skills against a veteran competitor. The lopsided score demonstrates Tsarukyan's technical superiority throughout the match. This marks a successful crossover appearance for the UFC lightweight contender in the RAF wrestling league.
Arman Tsarukyan made a commanding entrance into RAF wrestling competition on April 19, 2026, dismantling UFC legend Urijah Faber by a lopsided 13-1 scoreline in his debut appearance in the league.
Tsarukyan, 29, arrives at the top of the UFC lightweight division ranked number one in the world at 155 pounds. The Russian fighter, who competes out of American Top Team, carries a professional MMA record of 23-3 and has built his reputation on relentless forward pressure and elite grappling. His takedown rate of 3.26 per 15 minutes in UFC competition speaks to the wrestling foundation on full display in this outing. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he used his physical tools effectively throughout the match, twice sending Faber beyond the mat boundaries and landing at least one high-amplitude throw that underscored his technical command.
Faber, now 47 years old and a longtime icon of the sport under his nickname "The California Kid," brought a career MMA record of 35-11 to the mat. The American fighter from Team Alpha Male built his legacy at bantamweight and featherweight over more than two decades, and his willingness to compete in a crossover wrestling format at this stage of his career reflects the competitive spirit that defined his run in the UFC. Against a younger, elite-level grappler, however, he had few answers on the day.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's 13-1 victory reinforces his credentials as one of the most complete grapplers currently ranked in the UFC lightweight division
- The performance adds momentum heading into what figures to be a critical stretch in his pursuit of lightweight gold
- Faber's participation highlights the growing profile of RAF wrestling as a platform attracting recognizable combat sports names
