Arman Tsarukyan defeated Urijah Faber by a dominant 13-1 score in their RAF wrestling match. During the bout, Tsarukyan threw Faber outside the mat boundaries and executed a high-amplitude throw. The lopsided nature of the match demonstrated Tsarukyan's wrestling superiority over the MMA legend. This was described as one of the main news items from the UFC RAF week. Details about which specific RAF event this occurred at are not provided in the post.
Arman Tsarukyan added another highlight to his 2026 campaign by defeating Urijah Faber 13-1 in a RAF wrestling match during UFC RAF week, showcasing a level of grappling dominance that left little room for debate. Tsarukyan threw Faber outside the mat boundaries at one point and landed a high-amplitude throw during the bout, with the final scoreline reflecting a thoroughly one-sided contest.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters this period as one of the most dangerous lightweights in the world. The Russia-born American Top Team product carries a 23-3 professional record and holds the number one ranking in the lightweight division. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he averages 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and a formidable 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, numbers that paint the picture of a complete, high-output fighter.
Faber, now 47 years old and carrying a 35-11 professional record, remains one of the most celebrated figures in MMA history. The California Kid built his reputation at Team Alpha Male and compiled a career defined by toughness, submission threat, and relentless pressure. Standing five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, he averages 2.65 significant strikes per minute and 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. The reach disadvantage against Tsarukyan measured five inches.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's wrestling output in the match reinforces why he ranks first in the lightweight division
- The 13-1 scoreline and high-amplitude throw highlight a significant grappling gap between the two competitors
- Faber, at 47, was facing a fighter nearly two decades younger who averages more than twice his takedown rate in MMA competition
