Arman Tsarukyan secured a dominant victory over Urijah Faber at RAF 8, winning by technical superiority with a score of 13-1 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 Zahid Valencia, Helen Maroulis, Real Woods, Jason Nolf, Vladimer Khinchegashvili, Lance Palmer, Jordan Oliver, and Lucas Byrd. The event showcased high-level wrestling competition across multiple weight classes and featured both male and female competitors.
Arman Tsarukyan added a wrestling title to his combat sports resume at RAF 8 on April 19, 2026, defeating MMA veteran Urijah Faber by technical superiority with a lopsided 13-1 score in the third round.
Tsarukyan, 29, is one of the most decorated fighters in MMA's lightweight division, currently ranked first in the world with a professional record of 23-3. The Russian standout, who trains out of American Top Team, has long been recognized for his elite grappling base, and his performance at RAF 8 underscored why. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes in MMA competition, among the highest marks in the division.
Faber, 47, is a celebrated figure in combat sports history. The California Kid carries a 35-11 MMA record and built much of his career on strong wrestling and submission grappling. The five-foot-six Team Alpha Male founder averaged 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes during his MMA career, but found little answer for Tsarukyan's output on this occasion.
The RAF 8 card was stacked with high-level wrestling talent. Olympic champion Kyle Snyder defeated Rizabek Aitmukhan 12-6, while Shamil Sharipov earned a first-round pin over Anthony Cassiopi. Other victors on the card included Zahid Valencia, Helen Maroulis, Real Woods, Jason Nolf, Vladimer Khinchegashvili, Lance Palmer, Jordan Oliver, and Lucas Byrd across various weight classes and disciplines.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's dominant showing reinforces his grappling credentials ahead of any future lightweight title pursuits
- Faber's willingness to compete on the wrestling mat at 47 against a ranked MMA contender highlights the event's cross-disciplinary appeal
- RAF 8 brought together MMA fighters and pure wrestlers, raising its profile as a serious crossover competition platform
