Arman Tsarukyan secured a dominant 13-1 victory over Urijah Faber in a wrestling match at a UFC RAF event. During the bout, Tsarukyan literally threw Faber beyond the boundaries of the mat and executed an amplitude throw, demonstrating his superior wrestling skills. The lopsided score reflects Tsarukyan's complete control throughout the match. This wrestling competition represents a crossover event featuring UFC fighters competing in a pure grappling format.
Arman Tsarukyan put on a commanding display of wrestling skill at a UFC RAF crossover event on April 19, 2026, defeating Urijah Faber by a lopsided 13-1 score in a pure grappling competition. The bout was punctuated by a moment that underscored the one-sided nature of the contest: Tsarukyan threw Faber clean off the mat and also executed a high-amplitude throw that drew attention for its sheer technical force.
Tsarukyan, 29, is the number-one ranked lightweight contender out of Russia competing under the American Top Team banner. He carries a 23-3 professional MMA record and has built a reputation as one of the sport's most relentless grapplers, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes in MMA competition. His 72-inch reach and physical tools translate well to wrestling formats, and the RAF result offered a vivid illustration of his mat dominance.
Faber, known as "The California Kid," is a 47-year-old veteran from the United States who built his legend with Team Alpha Male. His 35-11 MMA record spans a storied career, though at five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, he gave up measurable physical advantages against his younger opponent. Faber's grappling credentials in MMA are well established, but the final score reflected how wide the gap was on this occasion.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan reinforced his standing as one of the elite grapplers in the lightweight division ahead of any potential title opportunity.
- The event highlights a growing trend of UFC-affiliated crossover competitions placing fighters in pure wrestling or grappling rulesets.
- The stylistic contrast between Faber's veteran savvy and Tsarukyan's high-volume takedown game was settled decisively in favor of youth and athleticism.
