UFC Analyst Joe Rogan Praises Rising Real American Freestyle Star

Rogan highlights Arman Tsarukyan as the standout performer in the new wrestling promotion

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured movements and perspectives of a wrestling match or competition, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.Rogan's praise for rising RAF stars Tsarukyan and Ash reflects the growing crossover between MMA and wrestling.Philadelphia Today

UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has been closely following the new Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling promotion, and he's particularly impressed with one fighter - Arman Tsarukyan. The UFC lightweight has been competing in RAF while waiting for his next Octagon appearance, and Rogan believes Tsarukyan is the promotion's top star so far, singling out his dominant performances against the likes of Lance Palmer.

Why it matters

Rogan's praise of Tsarukyan could help raise the profile of both the fighter and the upstart RAF promotion, which is aiming to become a major player in the world of professional wrestling. Tsarukyan's success in RAF could also lead to increased opportunities in the UFC, where he's already established himself as a top contender in the lightweight division.

The details

Tsarukyan, who holds a 16-8 MMA record, has been competing in RAF alongside his UFC career. He's remained undefeated in the new promotion, recently picking up his third straight win with a victory over Georgio Poullas. Rogan was particularly impressed with Tsarukyan's dominant 'tech fall' win over veteran wrestler Lance Palmer, calling the UFC fighter a 'bad man' in the wrestling realm.

  • Tsarukyan is set to compete in the co-main event of the next RAF event on April 18 in Philadelphia.
  • Rogan discussed Tsarukyan's RAF performances on a recent episode of his JRE MMA Show podcast.

The players

Joe Rogan

The longtime UFC color commentator and host of the popular JRE MMA Show podcast, who has been closely following the new Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion.

Arman Tsarukyan

A rising UFC lightweight contender with a 16-8 MMA record, who has been competing in the new Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion while waiting for his next Octagon appearance.

Lance Palmer

A veteran wrestler who Tsarukyan defeated via 'tech fall' in a recent Real American Freestyle event, impressing UFC analyst Joe Rogan.

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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 Analyst

“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 Analyst

What’s next

Tsarukyan is set to compete in the co-main event of the next Real American Freestyle event on April 18 in Philadelphia, where he will look to extend his undefeated streak in the promotion.

The takeaway

Joe Rogan's high praise of Arman Tsarukyan's performances in the new Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion could help raise the profile of both the fighter and the upstart organization, potentially leading to increased opportunities for Tsarukyan in the UFC and more attention on the emerging wrestling league.