Arman Tsarukyan dominates Urijah Faber 13-1 with dramatic throw at RAF

Arman Tsarukyan put on a commanding display against Urijah Faber at a UFC Russian Army Federation wrestling event, walking away with a lopsided 13-1 scoreline that included a spectacular throw sending Faber entirely off the mat.

Tsarukyan, 29, enters 2026 as the number-one ranked lightweight contender, carrying a professional MMA record of 23-3. The Russian fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, is widely regarded as one of the most complete wrestlers in his division. His UFC statistics reflect that — he averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a rate of 3.85 per minute with 50 percent accuracy. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he used every physical and technical advantage on the mat against his opponent.

Faber, 47, is an American combat sports icon who competed under the banner of his longtime home, Team Alpha Male. Known as "The California Kid," the 35-11 veteran stands five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach and built his career as one of the most decorated fighters in bantamweight and featherweight history. Capable of averaging 2.65 significant strikes per minute and 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes in MMA competition, Faber remains a credible grappling presence even in exhibition settings.

Why it matters

• Tsarukyan's total control of the wrestling exchange underscores his elite grappling credentials at a critical time in the lightweight division
• The amplitude throw and the scoreline of 13-1 highlight a stark technical gap between an active top contender and a 47-year-old veteran
• The result keeps Tsarukyan's name prominent in UFC news cycles as he positions himself near lightweight title contention