Arman Tsarukyan to Face UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber in RAF 8 Co-Main Event

Top UFC lightweight contender Tsarukyan continues busy 2026 schedule with April bout against MMA legend Faber.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:05pm

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Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 1-ranked UFC lightweight contender, has agreed to face UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber in the co-main event of the upcoming RAF 8 event on April 18 in Philadelphia. This will be Tsarukyan's fourth fight outside the UFC this year as he continues his busy 2026 schedule, which includes also serving as the backup fighter for the upcoming UFC White House main event between champion Ilia Topuria and interim champ Justin Gaethje.

Why it matters

Tsarukyan's willingness to compete frequently outside the UFC, even against high-profile opponents like Faber, demonstrates his desire to stay active and sharp while awaiting his next UFC title shot. The bout also provides a high-profile platform for the 46-year-old Faber to make his RAF debut after a loss to Henry Cejudo in his previous outing.

The details

Tsarukyan, 29, is coming off an impressive win over Georgio Poullas at RAF 7 and holds a perfect 3-0 record in the promotion. He has already competed four times outside the UFC in 2026, including victories over Lance Palmer, Poullas, and former UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev. Faber, a UFC Hall of Famer, made his RAF debut in late February, losing to Olympic gold medalist and former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo.

  • Tsarukyan will face Faber in the co-main event of RAF 8 on April 18, 2026.
  • Tsarukyan is also preparing to serve as the backup fighter for the UFC White House main event in June, which pits UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria against interim champ Justin Gaethje.

The players

Arman Tsarukyan

The No. 1-ranked UFC lightweight contender who has been competing frequently outside the UFC in 2026, including a perfect 3-0 record in the RAF promotion.

Urijah Faber

A UFC Hall of Famer who is making his RAF debut after a loss to Henry Cejudo in his previous outing.

Ilia Topuria

The current UFC lightweight champion who will defend his title against interim champ Justin Gaethje in the main event of the upcoming UFC White House event.

Justin Gaethje

The UFC interim lightweight champion who will challenge Ilia Topuria for the undisputed title in the main event of the upcoming UFC White House event.

Henry Cejudo

An Olympic gold medalist and former two-division UFC champion who defeated Urijah Faber in Faber's previous RAF bout.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to train to be in shape if something happens in main event in White House, I'll be [the] backup [fighter]. So I'll [be ready to] fight there. And then they'll announce my next fight after Ilia vs. Gaethje.”

— Arman Tsarukyan, UFC Lightweight Contender

What’s next

Tsarukyan will serve as the backup fighter for the UFC White House main event between champion Ilia Topuria and interim champ Justin Gaethje in June. The winner of that fight will likely determine Tsarukyan's next UFC title shot opportunity.

The takeaway

Tsarukyan's willingness to stay active and compete frequently outside the UFC, even against high-profile opponents like Faber, demonstrates his hunger to earn a UFC title shot. The bout also provides a platform for the legendary Faber to make his RAF debut and potentially earn a marquee win before retirement.