Ali Akbar Rosady
Arman Tsarukyan, a formidable presence in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s lightweight division, is slated to compete in his second wrestling match within a two-week span, squaring off against former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson at Russian American Fight (RAF) 10 on June 13. The highly anticipated bout, confirmed by MMA Fighting following an initial report from Ariel Helwani, marks a significant crossover event for both athletes, each navigating distinct phases of their combat sports careers.
The upcoming contest at RAF 10 will see Tsarukyan continue an extraordinarily active period outside the UFC octagon. Scheduled for May 30, Tsarukyan is first set to face influencer wrestler Mugzy at RAF 9. Should both engagements proceed as planned, the Armenian-Russian contender will have competed for the RAF organization six times in as many months, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to staying active and honing his grappling skills. His prior appearances for RAF in 2024 have been marked by dominant performances, including a tech fall victory over veteran Lance Palmer at the start of the year, followed by a pair of grudge match wins against Georgio Poullas. Most recently, in April, Tsarukyan secured another impressive tech fall victory over UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber at RAF 8, further cementing his reputation as a top-tier grappler.
Tsarukyan’s intensive wrestling schedule runs parallel to his ascending trajectory within the UFC’s highly competitive lightweight division. Currently positioned at No. 2 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings at 155 pounds, he stands directly behind reigning champion Ilia Topuria. His last professional mixed martial arts outing in November saw him deliver a dominant submission victory over Dan Hooker, a performance that underscored his elite grappling prowess and cemented his status as a prime contender for the UFC lightweight title. Tsarukyan’s professional MMA record stands at 22 wins and 3 losses, with a notable early career bout against current lightweight king Islam Makhachev, a fight many pundits believe was his toughest test and a testament to his potential. His consistent victories against ranked opponents such as Beneil Dariush and Joaquim Silva have propelled him into the upper echelon of the division, making his continued engagement in high-level wrestling events a topic of considerable interest among fans and analysts alike. This rigorous schedule could be interpreted as a strategic effort to maintain peak physical condition, refine specific aspects of his game, or simply a reflection of his dedication to competition across disciplines.
For Tony Ferguson, the upcoming clash at RAF 10 represents a foray into a new competitive arena, marking his debut with the wrestling promotion. At 42 years old, Ferguson brings a storied career and an enduring fan following to the mat. Known throughout the mixed martial arts world as "El Cucuy," Ferguson’s legacy is defined by his unorthodox fighting style, relentless pressure, and a remarkable 12-fight winning streak in the UFC lightweight division, which culminated in him holding the interim lightweight championship. During this unparalleled run, he defeated a who’s who of the division, including Kevin Lee, Anthony Pettis, Donald Cerrone, and Edson Barboza, establishing himself as one of the most exciting and formidable fighters of his era.
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However, Ferguson’s career has faced significant challenges in recent years. His last outing in the UFC, in August 2024, resulted in a loss to Michael Chiesa, extending his losing streak to eight consecutive defeats within the organization. This difficult period saw him face a gauntlet of top-tier opponents, including Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Nate Diaz, Bobby Green, and Paddy Pimblett, highlighting the brutal nature of sustained competition at the elite level of MMA. Despite these setbacks in the octagon, Ferguson has actively sought new competitive avenues. In 2025, he ventured into the Misfits Boxing ring, a platform known for featuring celebrity and influencer bouts. There, he successfully bounced back, securing two victories against Warren Spencer and Salt Papi. These boxing wins signaled Ferguson’s enduring fighting spirit and ability to adapt to different combat sports disciplines. His decision to now compete in a professional wrestling match against a high-caliber grappler like Tsarukyan further illustrates his continued desire to compete and showcase his skills, regardless of the format.
The wrestling styles of both competitors present an intriguing matchup. Arman Tsarukyan is widely recognized for his exceptional wrestling base and control, which he effectively translates into his MMA game. His ability to secure takedowns, maintain top control, and transition to submissions is a cornerstone of his fighting philosophy. Tony Ferguson, while more renowned for his striking and submission game in MMA, possesses a significant wrestling background himself, having been an NCAA Division II national champion. This suggests that the encounter will be more than a mere exhibition, pitting two legitimate grapplers with differing approaches against each other under pure wrestling rules. For Tsarukyan, it offers another opportunity to sharpen his wrestling technique and test himself against a veteran combat athlete with a strong grappling foundation. For Ferguson, it provides a unique platform to demonstrate his wrestling prowess, which perhaps has been overshadowed by his striking and jiu-jitsu in recent MMA bouts, and potentially to build confidence outside the demanding environment of the UFC.
RAF 10 is scheduled to take place at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri. The Chaifetz Arena, a prominent multi-purpose venue, has a capacity of over 10,000 spectators and frequently hosts a variety of sporting events and concerts, providing a fitting stage for this high-profile grappling contest. The event will be broadcast live on Fox Nation, a subscription streaming service, making the match accessible to a broad audience interested in combat sports and crossover events. The Russian American Fight series itself has been gaining traction by featuring a mix of established MMA fighters, grappling specialists, and social media influencers, aiming to bridge the gap between pure wrestling and mixed martial arts. The organization provides a platform for fighters to compete in a structured wrestling environment, attracting athletes like Tsarukyan who seek to maintain activity and develop their grappling skills outside their primary sport.
The bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Tony Ferguson is more than just a wrestling match; it is a narrative thread in the ongoing careers of two significant figures in combat sports. For Tsarukyan, it represents continued preparation for a potential UFC title shot and a testament to his tireless work ethic. For Ferguson, it symbolizes a continued reinvention and a demonstration of his unwavering commitment to competition, offering a new chapter in a career already rich with memorable moments. The outcome of this contest will undoubtedly add another layer to the complex and evolving stories of both fighters.
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