UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan will step into the Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling ring for a second time in quick succession, this time against UFC veteran Tony Ferguson. The middleweight bout is scheduled for RAF 10 on June 13, 2026, at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis.
This announcement comes shortly after it was revealed that Tsarukyan was slated to compete at RAF 09 on May 30 against influencer wrestler Keelon Jimison, also known as Mugzy. Tsarukyan’s involvement in RAF events marks his engagement in wrestling outside of his UFC commitments.
Tony Ferguson, a well-known figure in MMA, joins the RAF promotion following his departure from the UFC. His last UFC appearance was in August 2024, after which he secured two victories in 2025 under the Misfits Boxing banner, including winning the MFB middleweight title.
Arman Tsarukyan has been actively competing in Real American Freestyle since his debut at RAF 05 in January. He has since participated in several events, including wins over Lance Palmer, Georgio Poullas (twice), and UFC veteran Urijah Faber. Tsarukyan’s last UFC fight was in November 2025, where he defeated Dan Hooker via submission.
Arman Tsarukyan’s RAF Appearances:
- RAF 05 (January): Technical Fall win over Lance Palmer.
- RAF 06 (February): Decision win against Georgio Poullas.
- RAF 07 (March): Decision win against Georgio Poullas.
- RAF 08 (April): Technical Fall win over Urijah Faber.
- RAF 09 (May 30): Scheduled against Keelon Jimison (Mugzy).
- RAF 10 (June 13): Scheduled against Tony Ferguson.
Tsarukyan is currently on a five-fight winning streak, with his most recent UFC victory in November 2025.
English Translation:
Arman Tsarukyan to Face UFC Veteran Tony Ferguson at RAF 10 on June 13 Despite RAF 09 Booking Against Keelon Jimison
Arman Tsarukyan’s tenure with Real American Freestyle (RAF) continues to be eventful. While awaiting his next UFC appearance, Tsarukyan has maintained activity in wrestling events outside the Octagon.
Earlier this week, it was announced that the No. 2 ranked UFC lightweight contender would face influencer wrestler Keelon Jimison, widely known as Mugzy, at RAF 09 on May 30 at the College Park Center at the University of Texas at Arlington in Arlington, Texas.
Adding to the surprise, “Ahalkalakets” is now set to welcome UFC veteran Tony Ferguson to the promotion for a middleweight bout at RAF 10 on June 13, 2026, held at the Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University in St. Louis. This matchup was initially reported by MMA journalist Ariel Helwani on Thursday night.
Ferguson departed the UFC after an eighth consecutive defeat, a first-round submission loss to Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi in August 2024. However, “El Cucuy” found success in 2025 under the Misfits Boxing banner, securing consecutive wins with a third-round stoppage over Salt Papi and a unanimous decision victory against Warren Spencer, which earned him the MFB middleweight title.
How Many Times Has Arman Tsarukyan Fought in RAF?
Arman Tsarukyan made his Real American Freestyle debut at RAF 05 in January, achieving a technical fall victory over Lance Palmer. He returned just a month later at RAF 06, where the 29-year-old Armenian secured a decision win against Georgio Poullas. “Ahalkalakets” then faced Poullas again at RAF 07 in March, once more emerging victorious by decision. Tsarukyan’s most recent competition was at RAF 08 earlier this month, where he earned a technical fall victory over UFC veteran Urijah Faber.
Arman Tsarukyan’s last Octagon appearance was at UFC Qatar in November, where he secured a submission victory over Dan Hooker, extending his current winning streak to five.