Arman Tsarukyan defeated Urijah Faber by technical superiority with a score of 13-1 in the third round at RAF 8. The event featured multiple wrestling matches including Kyle Snyder's win over Rizabek Aitmukhan (12-6), Zahid Valencia defeating Aiden Sinclair (8-2), and Shamil Sharipov pinning Anthony Cassiopi in round one. Helen Maroulis achieved a technical superiority victory (10-0) in round two against Alexis Janiak. Other notable results included Real Woods, Jason Nolf, Vladimir Khinchegashvili, Lance Palmer, Jordan Oliver, and Lucas Byrd all securing victories in their respective matches.
Arman Tsarukyan stepped outside the cage and onto the wrestling mat at RAF 8 on April 19, 2026, defeating Urijah Faber by technical superiority with a lopsided 13-1 score in the third round of their grappling contest.
Tsarukyan, 29, is one of the most accomplished fighters currently competing in MMA, holding a 23-3 professional record and sitting as the number-one ranked lightweight in the world. The Russian standout out of American Top Team stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach and is known for his well-rounded game, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy alongside an impressive 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. His performance at RAF 8 further demonstrated the elite wrestling credentials that underpin his MMA skill set.
Faber, the 47-year-old American veteran nicknamed "The California Kid," carries a career MMA record of 35-11. The Sacramento native trains out of Team Alpha Male and built his legacy as one of the most dynamic fighters of his generation, with a career that saw him compete primarily at bantamweight and featherweight. His 67-inch reach and orthodox stance were hallmarks of a scrappy, well-rounded style that included 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes during his MMA career.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's dominant wrestling display reinforces the grappling depth of the top-ranked lightweight contender ahead of any future title pursuit
- Faber, now 47, continues to stay active in combat sports competition well beyond his UFC career
- The RAF 8 card also featured notable wrestling victories from Kyle Snyder, Zahid Valencia, Helen Maroulis, Jason Nolf, and Lance Palmer, signaling a stacked event across multiple disciplines
