What’s Next For Arman Tsarukyan After Another RAF Win?

Arman Tsarukyan extended his unbeaten streak in Real American Freestyle (RAF), beating UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber at RAF 08, as we look at what could be next.

In a fast opening period, Tsarukyan secured an immediate takedown followed by two exposures. By the time the whistle blew for the first break, he had already racked up an 8-0 lead. The intensity peaked in the second period. Tsarukyan closed the show in the third period with a signature explosive double-leg, securing the final points needed for a technical fall victory.

Tsarukyan took the microphone and issued a call-out to Colby Covington, who was in attendance. Covington jumped onto the apron for a tense, nose-to-nose staredown. Since his debut at RAF 05 in January, Tsarukyan has been perfect, getting wins over Lance Palmer and his two bouts with Georgio Poullas.

Beyond the wrestling mat, Tsarukyan’s next major hurdle is his standing within the UFC. Despite wins over Charles Oliveira and Dan Hooker, there is a feeling the UFC has been “freezing him out” due to his behavior outside the Octagon. Arman’s pivot to RAF—where he is reportedly making significant “appearance money”—is a strategic move to stay active and maintain his profile while waiting for a title shot.

The endgame for Tsarukyan remains the UFC Lightweight Championship. With Khamzat Chimaev also recently signing with RAF for a post-UFC 328 debut, the promotion is becoming a “shadow UFC,” where top-tier talent competes in a low-impact environment. For Arman, the next few months will be a balancing act: dominant performances in the RAF “circle” to keep fans engaged, while negotiating a return to the Octagon.

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