Arman Tsarukyan defeats Urijah Faber in wrestling match

Arman Tsarukyan added a wrestling victory to his combat sports resume after defeating Urijah Faber in a grappling match reported on April 19, 2026, with limited details available on the scoring or specific method of victory.

Tsarukyan, 29, is currently ranked number one in the UFC lightweight division and carries a 23-3-0 professional MMA record competing out of American Top Team. The Russian fighter stands five-foot-seven with a notably long 72-inch reach and has built a reputation as one of the division's most complete grapplers, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 50 percent. A wrestling-focused outing outside of MMA competition fits naturally with his established skill set.

Faber, 47, is a former UFC bantamweight champion and one of the most decorated fighters in the sport's history, holding a career record of 35-11-0 under the Team Alpha Male banner. Known by his nickname "The California Kid," the five-foot-six American has long been associated with wrestling-based grappling through his Sacramento-based gym, averaging 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes across his MMA career.

Why it matters

• Tsarukyan's dominant takedown rate in MMA translated to a competitive grappling context against a decorated former champion
• The exhibition highlights Tsarukyan's continued activity and public profile as he remains the top lightweight contender
• Faber, while retired from active MMA competition, continues to engage in combat sports events through Team Alpha Male connections