Arman Tsarukyan won his wrestling bout against Urijah Faber. The post indicates this was part of a RAF event. Limited details about the exact nature of the victory were provided in the main announcement. The result was significant enough to be highlighted across multiple channels. This continues Tsarukyan's success in grappling competition outside of MMA.
Arman Tsarukyan added another grappling victory to his resume on April 19, 2026, defeating Urijah Faber in a wrestling match held as part of a RAF event.
Tsarukyan, 29, is currently ranked number one in the UFC lightweight division and carries a professional MMA record of 23-3-0. The Russia-born fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, has built a reputation as one of the most well-rounded competitors in his weight class. His takedown rate of 3.26 per 15 minutes in MMA competition underscores the wrestling credentials he put on display in this bout, and his 50 percent striking accuracy further reflects the technical precision he brings to combat sports in general.
Faber, 47, is an MMA legend who competed primarily at bantamweight and featherweight during his UFC career, compiling a record of 35-11-0. Known as "The California Kid," the Team Alpha Male founder and veteran of the grappling circuit remains active in combat sports competition well into his late forties. Standing five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, Faber's frame presented a notable physical contrast to Tsarukyan, who carries a 72-inch reach at five-foot-seven.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's wrestling performance reinforces the grappling foundation underpinning his rise to the top of the UFC lightweight rankings
- Faber's continued participation in grappling events keeps the veteran relevant in the broader combat sports conversation
- The result adds to Tsarukyan's profile outside of MMA at a time when his UFC lightweight title aspirations are at their peak
