UFC Star Arman Tsarukyan Impresses Joe Rogan in Real American Freestyle

Rogan calls Tsarukyan a 'bad man' after his dominant performances in the new wrestling promotion

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and intense grappling of a wrestling match, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of vivid colors representing the raw athleticism and competitive spirit of the sport.Arman Tsarukyan's wrestling prowess impresses UFC commentator Joe Rogan, setting up potential high-stakes matchups in both the octagon and the mat.Philadelphia Today

UFC commentator Joe Rogan has been closely following the new Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling promotion, and he singled out UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan as the competitor who has impressed him the most. Tsarukyan, who is 3-0 in RAF, has been dominant on the mats while awaiting his next UFC fight. Rogan praised Tsarukyan's wrestling skills, particularly his recent technical fall victory over veteran Lance Palmer.

Why it matters

Tsarukyan's success in RAF has helped raise his profile as a well-rounded MMA fighter, beyond just his performances in the UFC. His ability to excel in both MMA and high-level wrestling competitions makes him an intriguing prospect in the lightweight division, and could lead to big fights against other top contenders like Ilia Topuria.

The details

Tsarukyan, who is 3-0 in RAF, will look to extend his undefeated record in the promotion when he faces Urijah Faber at the upcoming RAF 08 event in Philadelphia. Rogan was particularly impressed with Tsarukyan's technical fall victory over veteran wrestler Lance Palmer, calling the Armenian fighter a 'bad man' and suggesting a potential matchup with Topuria would be 'very interesting'.

  • The upcoming RAF 08 event takes place on April 18, 2026 in Philadelphia.
  • Tsarukyan's third RAF win over Georgio Poullas came before his upcoming fight with Faber.

The players

Arman Tsarukyan

A top UFC lightweight contender who has been dominant in the new Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion, impressing UFC commentator Joe Rogan with his wrestling skills.

Joe Rogan

The prominent UFC commentator who has been closely following the Real American Freestyle promotion and singled out Tsarukyan as the competitor who has impressed him the most.

Lance Palmer

A veteran wrestler who Tsarukyan defeated by technical fall in one of his RAF matches, further impressing Rogan with his dominant performance.

Urijah Faber

The former UFC fighter who will face Tsarukyan in the co-main event of the upcoming RAF 08 event in Philadelphia.

Ilia Topuria

The UFC lightweight contender who Rogan suggested could have an 'interesting' fight against Tsarukyan, the winner of which could challenge for the undisputed UFC lightweight title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Dude, the guy that I'm most impressed with in that (RAF) is Arman. I can't believe how good he is as a wrestler. Who's the guy he tech fall'd? Lance. Bro, Lance Palmer is a legit wrestler. Bro, Arman is legit.”

— Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator

“Even Georgio, you watch those videos he does... Arman is a f—ing bad man, dude. He is a bad man. If you want a fight for Ilia (Topuria) at 155 (pounds), that's a very interesting fight.”

— Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator

What’s next

Tsarukyan will look to extend his undefeated RAF record when he faces Urijah Faber in the co-main event of RAF 08 on April 18, 2026 in Philadelphia.

The takeaway

Tsarukyan's dominant performances in the new Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion have further cemented his status as a well-rounded MMA fighter, impressing UFC commentator Joe Rogan and potentially setting up intriguing matchups against other top lightweights like Ilia Topuria.