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

Arman Tsarukyan claimed a commanding 13-1 victory over Urijah Faber at a RAF wrestling event this week, with the contest featuring a moment where Tsarukyan threw Faber completely beyond the mat boundaries and followed up with a high-amplitude slam that underlined his total dominance throughout the match.

Tsarukyan, 29, enters this period as one of the most dangerous grapplers in mixed martial arts. The Russian fighter, who competes out of American Top Team, holds a professional MMA record of 23-3-0 and is currently ranked number one in the UFC lightweight division. His grappling credentials are well supported by his statistics, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes and striking at a 50 percent accuracy rate. At five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he carries notable physical advantages in the clinch.

Faber, the 47-year-old veteran known as The California Kid, carries a career record of 35-11-0 and remains one of the most recognized figures in combat sports history. The Sacramento native trains with Team Alpha Male and brings a wealth of experience to any competition. Standing five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, Faber has built his legacy on aggression and heart rather than physical imposing attributes.

Why it matters

• Tsarukyan's grappling superiority over a seasoned veteran reinforces his credentials as a genuine UFC lightweight title contender
• The lopsided 13-1 score highlights the technical gulf between Tsarukyan's wrestling-heavy style and Faber's more strike-oriented approach
• Faber, at 47, faced a 29-year-old fighter at what should be the peak of his athletic powers, making the result an important context point for how the matchup unfolded
• The high-amplitude slam and out-of-bounds throw signal that Tsarukyan's grappling is operating at an elite level heading into any upcoming UFC commitments