Arman Tsarukyan defeats Urijah Faber in wrestling match

Arman Tsarukyan added another win to his résumé on April 19, 2026, this time stepping outside the Octagon to defeat Urijah Faber in a wrestling competition. Details on the method of victory and the final scoreline were not disclosed in the initial report.

Tsarukyan, known as "Ahalkalakets," enters any competitive setting as a formidable grappling threat. The 29-year-old Russian trains out of American Top Team and carries a 23-3-0 professional MMA record while sitting as the number-one ranked lightweight contender. His wrestling pedigree shows clearly in his UFC statistics — he averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, a figure that ranks among the elite in his division. He also lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy, making him dangerous on the feet as well.

Faber, the 47-year-old veteran from the United States, built his career as one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history under the banner of Team Alpha Male. The former WEC featherweight champion carries a 35-11-0 record and earned the nickname "The California Kid" over decades of competition. At five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, he has always relied on agility and toughness to compete with larger opponents. Even deep into his career, he continues to engage in competitive settings, averaging 2.65 significant strikes per minute and 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes across his MMA appearances.

Why it matters

• Tsarukyan's wrestling credentials are central to his lightweight title case, and a public win over a decorated veteran reinforces that reputation.
• Faber's willingness to compete in grappling formats at 47 keeps him visible in the combat sports community.
• The matchup highlights a significant experience contrast — a near two-decade age gap between an active contender and a legend of the sport.