In a stunning display of skill and determination, Arman Tsarukyan defeated Urijah Faber via Technical Fall (13-1) in Round 3 during the highly anticipated RAF 8 event on April 18, 2026. The match took place at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, drawing significant attention from both fans and analysts alike.
The evening began with an unexpected twist — Henry Cejudo’s withdrawal from the main event due to injury. Originally slated to face Merab Dvalishvili, Cejudo’s absence shifted the focus entirely onto Tsarukyan and Faber. As the crowd filled the arena at 8:00 PM ET, anticipation built around whether Tsarukyan could maintain his momentum as a rising star within the organization.
Tsarukyan has become synonymous with success at RAF events; he has participated in the last three matches leading up to this one. His dominance over Faber was not merely a victory but a statement — he is here to stay. “RAF, next time you need two mats for me,” Tsarukyan quipped after his victory, hinting at his desire for even more challenges ahead.
But it wasn’t just Tsarukyan who made headlines. Khamzat Chimaev, known for his impressive wrestling background and undefeated record of 15-0 in MMA, signed with Real American Freestyle shortly before the event. His arrival adds another layer of intrigue to future competitions. “Chimaev’s standout wrestling base has allowed him to physically dominate opponents en route to a 15-0 record in MMA,” noted a recent RAF release.
The night also featured Kyle Snyder defending his Light Heavyweight title against Rizabek Aitmukhan in a thrilling match that showcased both athletes’ skills. Snyder competed in the 215 lbs weight class and successfully retained his title, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top competitors in this division.
As RAF 8 unfolded exclusively on FOX Nation, fans were treated to an array of matches across various weight classes. From Zahid Valencia’s bout at 190 lbs to Helen Maroulis competing at 130 lbs, the event highlighted emerging talents alongside established stars. Each fight contributed to a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated both competition and camaraderie.
Following this event, attention now turns to upcoming matches — RAF 09 is scheduled for May 30th in Dallas and RAF 10 is set for June 13th in St. Louis. The excitement surrounding these events suggests that fans can expect more thrilling encounters as fighters continue to push their limits.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential rematches or new signings following this event. However, one thing is clear: with fighters like Tsarukyan and Chimaev making waves, the future of RAF looks exceptionally bright.
