Upset? Former UFC fighter shocks the world and ends Arman Tsarukyan's undefeated streak; watch

Arman Tsarukyan is ranked second in the lightweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Arman Tsarukyan's eight- fight winning streak was interrupted in the main event of RAF 11, held last Saturday. The Armenian faced veteran Colby Covington who, even outside the UFC octagon, demonstrated that he is still among the top names in grappling on the international scene.

Covington opened up a lead in the opening minutes by scoring after Tsarukyan was warned for passivity. More efficient and strategic, the American extended his lead at the end of the first round, converting a takedown attempt by his opponent and adding two more points.

In the second round, the Armenian managed to land a takedown, even lifting Covington in pursuit of a slam. Still, the outspoken American remained solid in his defenses.
Despite the comeback, the round's script favored Covington again in the final moments. Tsarukyan risked a predictable entry, was countered again, and conceded two more points after another reversal.

Trailing on the scoreboard, Tsarukyan started the third and final round under pressure and needing to turn the tide. The Armenian went all-in and attempted three takedowns, but encountered a solid Covington defensively, who thwarted all his attempts and managed the result without giving up any openings.

Watch Arman Tsarukyan lose to Colby Covington at RAF 11

Colby Covington hands Arman Tsarukyan his first ever RAF defeat, earning a 5 to 3 victory in the main event of #RAF11 to become the inaugural RAF Crossover Champion.

Via @RAFWrestlingUSA pic.twitter.com/V7QkuQfTlS

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 19, 2026

I admit it would be pretty funny if they announced Charles vs. Tsarukyan II right after the guy lost a wrestling match to Colby Covington . pic.twitter.com/lfvVOfRnWe

— Diego Lucio (@diego_lucio) July 19, 2026

Colby Covington 🇺🇸 s'impose face to Arman Tsarukyan 🇦🇲 5-3 pour remporter la ceinture au RAF pic.twitter.com/zO2EPXpWnr

— 5ᵉᵐᵉ Round (@Le5emeRound) July 19, 2026

Arman Tsarukyan is experiencing 'oblivion' in the UFC.

Arman Tsarukyan 's career took a significant turn after the Armenian fighter withdrew from his fight against Islam Makhachev with just one day's notice. Scheduled for the main event of UFC 311 , the American Top Team athlete claimed injury during his weigh-in preparation and was replaced by Renato Moicano for the event held in January 2025. Since then, he has faced a period of declining prominence in the organization.

Despite being ranked at the top of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), Tsarukyan saw the division advance without his presence in the most important fights. With Makhachev's move up to welterweight (up to 77 kg), the scenario seemed favorable, but the Armenian ended up out of the title fight at UFC 317 , when Ilia Topuria defeated Charles Oliveira and won the title.

Tsarukyan returned to the octagon in December 2025 and defeated Dan Hooker by submission, but the result was not enough to put him back on the path to the title. Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje gained ground, winning the interim title against Paddy Pimblett and later unifying the belt by defeating Topuria.

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