Arman Tsarukyan Set to Face MMA Icon in Next Wrestling Match

The UFC lightweight contender will take on Urijah Faber at the upcoming RAF08 event in Philadelphia.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:52pm

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Arman Tsarukyan, the rising UFC lightweight contender, has been keeping busy with wrestling and grappling events outside the Octagon. His latest match is now set, as he will face MMA legend Urijah Faber in the co-main event of the RAF08 event in Philadelphia on April 18th. This comes after Tsarukyan was originally expected to take on Dillon Danis in a grappling title match for Hype FC, but those talks are still ongoing.

Why it matters

Tsarukyan's active schedule outside the UFC shows he is staying sharp and ready in case he gets called up for a potential lightweight title shot. Facing an icon like Urijah Faber in a high-profile wrestling event will further raise Tsarukyan's profile and test his skills against an accomplished grappler from the MMA world.

The details

Tsarukyan recently competed in a rematch against Georgio Poullas in Real American Freestyle wrestling, where he secured a decision win. It was during this event that UFC welterweight Mike Perry challenged Tsarukyan to a future matchup under different rules. Now, Tsarukyan will shift his focus to the RAF08 event, where he will take on former UFC bantamweight champion Urijah Faber in the co-main event. The headline bout will feature Merab Dvalishvili against Henry Cejudo.

  • Tsarukyan recently competed in a rematch against Georgio Poullas in Real American Freestyle wrestling.
  • Tsarukyan will face Urijah Faber at the RAF08 event in Philadelphia on April 18, 2026.

The players

Arman Tsarukyan

A rising UFC lightweight contender who has been keeping busy with wrestling and grappling events outside the Octagon.

Urijah Faber

A former UFC bantamweight champion and MMA legend who will face Tsarukyan in the co-main event of the RAF08 event.

Mike Perry

A UFC welterweight fighter who challenged Tsarukyan to a future matchup under different rules during Tsarukyan's recent wrestling event.

Merab Dvalishvili

A UFC fighter who will headline the RAF08 event against Henry Cejudo.

Henry Cejudo

A former UFC champion who will headline the RAF08 event against Merab Dvalishvili.

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What they’re saying

“There was only a 50 percent chance of the Danis fight taking place as talks between both parties are ongoing.”

— Arman Tsarukyan

What’s next

Tsarukyan is staying ready and keeping his weight down in case he gets called up to step in against either Ilia Topuria or Justin Gaethje at the upcoming UFC White House event.

The takeaway

Tsarukyan's active schedule outside the UFC, including high-profile wrestling matches against MMA icons like Urijah Faber, demonstrates his commitment to staying sharp and prepared for a potential UFC title shot. This bout will further raise his profile and test his skills against an accomplished grappler.