At RAF 8, Arman Tsarukyan defeated Urijah Faber by technical superiority with a score of 13-1 in the third round of their wrestling match. The event featured multiple wrestling bouts with notable results including Kyle Snyder defeating Rizabek Aitmukhan 12-6, and Shamil Sharipov pinning Anthony Cassiopi in the first round. Other results included victories by Zahid Valencia, Helen Maroulis via 10-0 technical superiority, Real Woods, Jason Nolf, and several other wrestlers. The full card consisted of 11 matches showcasing various wrestling weight classes and styles.
Arman Tsarukyan added a wrestling accolade to his combat sports resume on April 19, 2026, defeating MMA veteran Urijah Faber by technical superiority with a score of 13-1 in the third round at RAF 8.
Tsarukyan, 29, is currently ranked first in the UFC lightweight division and competes out of American Top Team. The Russian fighter holds a 23-3-0 professional MMA record and brings exceptional wrestling credentials to his game, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes inside the octagon with a striking accuracy of 50 percent. His appearance at RAF 8 underscores a clear comfort competing on the grappling circuit alongside his MMA career.
Faber, known as "The California Kid," is a 47-year-old MMA legend from the United States who trains with Team Alpha Male. He carries a career record of 35-11-0 and built his reputation largely in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. Standing five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, Faber has long been regarded as one of the more well-rounded fighters of his generation, averaging 2.65 significant strikes landed per minute and 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes throughout his MMA career. Stepping onto the wrestling mat against one of MMA's elite grapplers represented a significant challenge.
The event also featured several other high-profile wrestling bouts. Kyle Snyder defeated Rizabek Aitmukhan 12-6, Shamil Sharipov pinned Anthony Cassiopi in the first round, and Helen Maroulis earned a 10-0 technical superiority victory. Zahid Valencia, Real Woods, and Jason Nolf also picked up wins across the 11-match card, which spanned multiple weight classes and wrestling styles.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's dominant 13-1 score reinforces his elite wrestling base heading into future lightweight title contention
- Faber's willingness to compete in pure wrestling at 47 against a top-ranked MMA fighter highlights his continued competitive drive
- The result further establishes Tsarukyan as one of the most complete wrestlers active in MMA's lightweight division
