Tsarukyan beats Jimison via tech fall to go 5-0 at Real American Freestyle

Arman Tsarukyan ran his Real American Freestyle record to 5-0 on Saturday, submitting Keelon ‘Mugzy’ Jimison via tech fall in the first period at RAF 9 in Arlington, Texas. The win was Tsarukyan’s fifth consecutive victory in wrestling competition under the RAF banner.

Jimison, who competes primarily as an influencer wrestler, was not considered a peer-level opponent for the UFC lightweight contender. Tsarukyan’s RAF résumé does include scalps of more recognisable names: former PFL champion Lance Palmer and former UFC champion Urijah Faber, as well as two victories over influencer wrestler Georgio Poullas.

Tsarukyan, who carries a 23-3 record in MMA, now turns his attention to RAF 10 on June 13, where he is scheduled to wrestle Tony Ferguson — a former interim UFC lightweight champion and one of the most decorated fighters in the division’s history.

The RAF appearances have kept Tsarukyan active and visible, but the broader question hanging over his career remains unanswered: when he will receive a shot at the UFC lightweight title. At 27, Tsarukyan is widely regarded as one of the top contenders in the 155-pound division, and the continued wait is drawing scrutiny from observers who feel he is burning through his athletic prime on the sidelines of the title picture.