Arman Tsarukyan delivered a dominant wrestling performance against Urijah Faber at RAF, winning 13-1. The Armenian fighter made good on his pre-fight promise by throwing Faber beyond the mat boundaries and executing a high-amplitude throw during the match. The lopsided victory showcased Tsarukyan's wrestling credentials in the crossover format. The bout represents a significant moment for Tsarukyan as he continues building his profile outside traditional MMA while maintaining his UFC lightweight contender status.
Arman Tsarukyan extended his competitive reach beyond the Octagon on April 19, 2026, delivering a lopsided 13-1 victory over Urijah Faber in a wrestling crossover bout at RAF, a result that underlined the lightweight contender's formidable grappling pedigree.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters this outing as the number-one ranked UFC lightweight, carrying a 23-3 professional MMA record and fighting out of American Top Team. The Russian fighter, known by the nickname "Ahalkalakets," has long been regarded as one of the more complete grapplers in his division, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes in MMA competition. He made good on a pre-fight promise during the bout, throwing Faber beyond the mat boundaries and landing a high-amplitude throw that drew significant attention.
Faber, 47, is one of combat sports' most decorated veterans. "The California Kid" compiled a 35-11 MMA record across a lengthy career fighting out of Team Alpha Male. Standing five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, the American was at a notable physical disadvantage against Tsarukyan, who carries a 72-inch reach and an extra two centimeters of height. Faber's MMA credentials, which include a submission attempt rate of 0.8 per 15 minutes and solid wrestling of his own at 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes, were not enough to bridge the gap in a dedicated wrestling format.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's dominant showing reinforces his wrestling credentials at a time when he is pursuing UFC lightweight gold
- The 13-1 scoreline highlights the gap between the two competitors in a pure wrestling context
- The crossover appearance raises Tsarukyan's profile outside traditional MMA ahead of what figures to be a pivotal stretch in his UFC career
- Faber, competing well into his late 40s, continues to test himself across combat sports disciplines
