Arman Tsarukyan scored a dominant victory over Urijah Faber at the RAF 08 wrestling event, winning by technical superiority with a 13-1 score in the third round. The event featured multiple wrestling matches with notable results including Kyle Snyder defeating Rizabek Aitmukhan 12-6, and Shamil Sharipov pinning Anthony Cassiopi in the first round. Other winners included Zachid Valencia, Helen Maroulis (who won by technical superiority 10-0 in round 2), Real Woods, Jason Nolf, Vladimer Khinchegashvili, Lance Palmer, Jordan Oliver, and Lucas Bird. The RAF 08 event showcased a full card of wrestling competitions featuring fighters and wrestlers from various backgrounds. Tsarukyan's performance was particularly dominant, demonstrating his wrestling credentials outside of MMA.
Arman Tsarukyan added a notable wrestling result to his combat sports resume at the RAF 08 wrestling event, defeating Urijah Faber by technical superiority with a 13-1 score in the third round.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters the occasion as the number-one ranked lightweight contender in MMA, carrying a professional record of 23-3-0 while competing out of American Top Team. The Russian fighter, who stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, has long been regarded as one of the more well-rounded wrestlers in the lightweight division. His MMA numbers back that up, with 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes and a striking accuracy of 50 percent. The dominant 13-1 margin at RAF 08 underscores the wrestling credentials he routinely brings into the cage.
Faber, the 47-year-old veteran known as "The California Kid," holds a career MMA record of 35-11-0 and built his reputation at Team Alpha Male as one of the most decorated fighters in bantamweight and featherweight history. Standing five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, Faber has averaged 2.65 significant strikes per minute across his career while also contributing on the mat with 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes.
The RAF 08 card featured several other notable performances. Kyle Snyder defeated Rizabek Aitmukhan 12-6, while Shamil Sharipov earned a first-round pin over Anthony Cassiopi. Helen Maroulis posted a commanding 10-0 technical superiority win in round two. Additional winners on the card included Zachid Valencia, Real Woods, Jason Nolf, Vladimer Khinchegashvili, Lance Palmer, Jordan Oliver, and Lucas Bird.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's commanding margin reinforces his wrestling pedigree ahead of any future lightweight title pursuit
- Faber's participation at 47 highlights the enduring competitive drive of one of MMA's most recognizable veterans
- The event brought together fighters and dedicated wrestlers across multiple disciplines, reflecting growing crossover between MMA and freestyle wrestling competition
