Arman Tsarukyan

Armenian mixed martial artist, submission grappler, and freestyle wrestler (born 1996) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Arman Nairovich Tsarukyan[4] (Armenian: Արման Նաիրիի Ծառուկյան; born October 11, 1996) is an Armenian professional mixed martial artist, submission grappler, and freestyle wrestler. He competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of January 27, 2026, he is #2 in the UFC lightweight rankings and as of May 12, 2026, he is #15 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.[5]

BornArman Nairovich Tsarukyan
(1996-10-11) October 11, 1996 (age 29)
Akhalkalaki, Georgia[1]
Native nameԱրման Նաիրիի Ծառուկյան
NicknameAhalkalakets
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Quick facts Born, Native name ...
Arman Tsarukyan
Tsarukyan in 2019
BornArman Nairovich Tsarukyan
(1996-10-11) October 11, 1996 (age 29)
Akhalkalaki, Georgia[1]
Native nameԱրման Նաիրիի Ծառուկյան
NicknameAhalkalakets
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
DivisionLightweight (2015–present)
Featherweight (2017)
Reach72.5 in (184 cm)[2]
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofYerevan, Armenia
TeamLion Heart
American Top Team (2019–present)[3]
RankMaster of Sport in MMA[2]
Master of Sport in Freestyle wrestling[2]
Years active2015–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total26
Wins23
By knockout9
By submission6
By decision8
Losses3
By knockout1
By submission0
By decision2
Draws0
No contests0
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Submission grappling record
Total6
Wins5
Losses0
Draws1
Freestyle wrestling record
Total4
Wins4
Losses0
Close

Background

Tsarukyan was born into an Armenian family living in a small town in Georgia, near the Armenian border.[6] Arman's father, Nairi Tsarukyan, is a businessman,[7] engaged in the construction business. Arman is the middle child with an older brother and a younger sister. The family moved to Russia when Arman was three years old to pursue better opportunities in life,[8][6] eventually settling in Khabarovsk.[9]

In his youth, Tsarukyan had multiple sporting interests. He started freestyle wrestling and fared well in the sport, but got interested in ice hockey later and continued playing it for several years.[6] He played for the junior team of Hockey Club Amur.[10] However, when Arman was approaching adulthood, he was forced to stop hockey in order to aid his father working in construction.[6] In a Q&A on UFC.com, Tsarukyan said he played ice hockey for six years before starting MMA.[2] During his wrestling career, he attained the rank of Master of Sports.[2] Before turning professional, he also earned a second Master of Sports rank in mixed martial arts.[2]

While playing hockey, he had harbored aspirations of reaching the National Hockey League (NHL), but later cited disillusionment with perceived corruption within the Russian junior hockey system as a significant factor in his departure from the sport.[11] In a Q&A on UFC.com, Tsarukyan said he won multiple wrestling and grappling tournaments in amateur competition.[2]

Fighting style

Tsarukyan has been described as a pressure-oriented fighter who combines wrestling with close-range striking.[12] The same source wrote that he often works at short range and uses forward pressure to steer opponents toward the fence to set up takedowns, and reported that he does not hold a Brazilian jiu-jitsu belt rank.[12]

In January 2026, Geo Super highlighted Tsarukyan's wrestling base after he defeated Lance Palmer by technical fall (10–0) at RAF 05.[13]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Tsarukyan made his professional debut in mixed martial arts in 2015 against Shamil Olokhanov and won by technical knockout in the first round. He lost his next fight against Alexander Belikh by first-round knockout. Arman continued fighting for mixed martial arts promotions in Russia and Asia, winning his next 12 fights with 9 finishes, including a first round submission victory against Belikh to avenge his first loss.[14] He compiled a 13–1 record prior to signing a four-fight contract with the UFC.[15]

In July 2018, Tsarukyan was one of the winners of the 2018 Tiger Muay Thai Tryouts in Phuket, earning a place on the professional fight team.[16]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Tsarukyan made his UFC debut against future lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, on April 20, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Oleinik.[17] The bout featured frequent wrestling exchanges and a high pace. Tsarukyan lost via unanimous decision, and the fight was regarded by some media outlets as one of Makhachev's tougher early-career tests.[18][19] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night bonus.[20]

Tsarukyan faced Olivier Aubin-Mercier on July 27, 2019, at UFC 240 and won the fight via unanimous decision.[21]

Tsarukyan in 2024

Tsarukyan was expected to face Davi Ramos on April 11, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris.[22] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was postponed.[23][24] The bout was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 172 on July 19, 2020.[24] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[25]

Tsarukyan was expected to face Nasrat Haqparast on January 24, 2021, at UFC 257.[26] However, on the day of the weigh-ins, Haqparast pulled out of the fight citing an illness.[27] The promotion negotiated a matchup between Tsarukyan and Matt Frevola. Tsarukyan forfeited 20% of his purse after missing weight, which went to Frevola.[28] Tsarukyan won the fight via unanimous decision.[29]

Tsarukyan faced Christos Giagos on September 18, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 192.[30] He won the fight via technical knockout in round one.[31] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[32]

As the first bout of his new four-fight contract, Tsarukyan faced Joel Álvarez on February 26, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 202.[33][34] He won the bout via ground-and-pound TKO in the second round.[35] The win also earned Tsarukyan his second consecutive Performance of the Night bonus award.[36]

Tsarukyan faced Mateusz Gamrot on June 25, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 38.[37] He lost the closely contested fight via unanimous decision.[38] 15 of 22 MMA media outlets scored the bout in favor of Tsarukyan.[39] Both fighters earned the Fight of the Night award.[40]

As the first bout of his new, four-fight contract, Tsarukyan faced Damir Ismagulov on December 17, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 216.[41][42] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[43]

Tsarukyan was scheduled to face Renato Moicano on April 29, 2023, at UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón.[44] However, Moicano withdrew due to an injury and Tsarukyan was pulled from the card as well.[45][46]

Tsarukyan faced Joaquim Silva on June 17, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 47.[47] He won the bout via TKO in the third round.[48]

Tsarukyan faced Beneil Dariush on December 2, 2023, in the main event at UFC on ESPN 52.[49] He won the fight in 64 seconds by first-round knockout due to a knee to the head followed by punches.[50] The fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.[51]

Tsarukyan faced former UFC Lightweight champion Charles Oliveira on April 13, 2024, at UFC 300.[52] He won the bout by split decision after surviving multiple submission attempts from Oliveira.[53]

Tsarukyan was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev in a rematch and for the UFC Lightweight Championship on January 18, 2025, at UFC 311.[54] However, Tsarukyan pulled out one day before the event, citing a back injury sustained while cutting weight, and was replaced by Renato Moicano.[55]

Tsarukyan successfully weighed in on June 27, 2025, as the backup for the lightweight title bout between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.[56]

Tsarukyan faced Dan Hooker in the main event on November 22, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 265.[57] He won the fight via an arm-triangle choke submission in the second round.[58] This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.[59]

Title contention and cancelled title bouts

In November 2025, after lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced he would take time away from competition for personal reasons, the UFC booked an interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett for UFC 324.[60] White said Tsarukyan would need to work his way back to a title shot and said he did not care about Tsarukyan’s ranking position when discussing the matchmaking decision.[61]

The booking drew criticism from fighters and media. Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev said Tsarukyan should have gotten the title shot and questioned the promotion’s matchmaking.[62] UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier argued that a matchup between Topuria and Tsarukyan was necessary to settle the division’s top spot.[63] Journalist Ariel Helwani also criticized the decision publicly.[64]

Tsarukyan criticized the booking and later alleged the promotion favored Pimblett; Pimblett disputed the claim, while UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell cited Tsarukyan's UFC 311 withdrawal and the Hooker weigh-in incident when explaining the matchmaking decision.[65]

Grappling career

As a grappler, Tsarukyan competes in ACBJJ [a], where he is the inaugural holder of the ACBJJ "All Star" title.[66]

Tsarukyan won the expert middleweight division of NAGA Los Angeles on October 1, 2023, submitting all three of his opponents.[67]

Tsarukyan defeated Makkasharip Zaynukov via unanimous decision at Pit Submission Series 12, held as part of Karate Combat 54, on May 2, 2025.[68]

Tsarukyan faced Patricky "Pitbull" Freire in the main event of ADXC 10 on May 31, 2025.[69] He won the match by submission with a rear-naked choke.[70]

Tsarukyan faced former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson at ACBJJ 18 in Moscow on September 19, 2025, and won after putting Henderson unconscious with an arm-triangle choke; the official result was ruled a technical decision.[71]

Tsarukyan defeated Mehdi Baydulaev via submission with a rear-naked choke in the final minute of their main event grappling match at ACBJJ 20 on December 17, 2025, in Moscow.[72] He won the "All-Star Title" in this no-gi jiu-jitsu contest, where Baydulaev served as a last-minute replacement.[73]

Tsarukyan faced Sharabutdin Magomedov in a submission-only grappling match at Hype Fighting Championship on December 30, 2025, in Yerevan, Armenia.[74] The match ended in a draw and neither man won the title.[75]

Tsarukyan was scheduled to rematch Georgio Poullas in a submission-only grappling match at Hype Brazil on March 11, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.[76] Poullas later withdrew from the bout, and it was removed from the event lineup.[77] Muhammad Mokaev then stepped in to replace Poullas on two days’ notice.[78] Arman won the bout via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 7:46 of the first round after rendering Mokaev unconscious.[79]

Freestyle wrestling career

Tsarukyan made his freestyle wrestling debut against four-time NCAA Division I All-American Lance Palmer at RAF 05 on January 10, 2026 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. He won the bout via technical fall (10–0) in the first period.[80][81][82]

Tsarukyan faced another former NCAA Division I wrestler in Georgio Poullas at RAF 06 on February 28, 2026, at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, United States.[83][84] He won the match by points (5–3).[85]

Tsarukyan rematched Poullas at RAF 07 on March 28, 2026 in the main event and won by decision (9–3).[86]

Tsarukyan defeated two-time NCAA Division I National qualifier Urijah Faber at RAF 08 on April 18, 2026 in the main event and won by technical fall (13–1).[87] The bout was promoted to the main event after Henry Cejudo withdrew from the card due to an injury.[88]

Tsarukyan is scheduled to face Keelon Jimison at RAF 09 on May 30, 2026.[89] He is also scheduled to face Tony Ferguson at RAF 10 on June 13, 2026.[90]

Personal life

Tsarukyan is the middle child in his family, with an older brother, Artur Tsarukyan, and a younger sister.[91][92] His father, Nairi Tsarukyan, is a businessman in the construction industry.[91]

Tsarukyan is an Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Christian.[93] Raised in an Armenian household, Tsarukyan frequently carries the Armenian flag into the octagon to bring international attention to his heritage. He has often emphasized a strong identification with his roots, noting that he is motivated by the support of Armenians worldwide.[94]

Outside of his cultural heritage, Tsarukyan has discussed his training preferences and lifestyle choices; in an interview he stated that he prefers training in the United States over Russia, citing the environment and conditions as more conducive to focused preparation.[95]

Tsarukyan is married to Milena. In early 2020, he became a father for the first time, naming his daughter after his mother; a second daughter was born in 2022.[6]

As of 2025, he is a brand ambassador through a multi-year branding deal between the UFC and Spribe.[96]

Public image

Altercation with Bobby Green

In November 2023, during fight week for UFC on ESPN: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan (UFC Austin), Tsarukyan was involved in an altercation with fellow lightweight Bobby Green at the event's host hotel in Austin, Texas. Green alleged that Tsarukyan and members of his team confronted him in the hotel lobby and that he struck one of Tsarukyan's associates during the incident.[97] Two days later, Tsarukyan released footage from the confrontation showing him approaching Green and briefly grabbing him by the throat before they were separated.[98]

Altercation at UFC 300

Before fighting Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, Tsarukyan was involved in an altercation with a fan while walking to the octagon.[99] Dana White said after UFC 300 that he was concerned the company would face legal action from the involved fan. However, Tsarukyan and the UFC did not face any legal action.[100] The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) met with Tsarukyan on April 30, 2024, to discuss the incident.[101] The commission decided to withhold 20% of his fight purse ($31,600 of $158,000).[102]

On June 25, 2024, it was announced that Tsarukyan was fined $25,000 and banned from competition for nine months, making him ineligible to compete until January 12, 2025, unless he completed an NSAC-approved anti-bullying public service announcement, which would reduce the suspension to six months, making him eligible to compete on October 12, 2024.[103]

Headbutt incident with Dan Hooker

At the ceremonial weigh-ins on November 21, 2025, for UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker in Doha, Qatar, Tsarukyan headbutted opponent Dan Hooker during their staredown; UFC staff, including matchmaker Mick Maynard, intervened and separated the two.[104][105] ESPN reported Hooker was not injured, and the fighters competed the next day as scheduled,[106] while Hooker stated that the headbutt caused a broken nose.[107]

Tsarukyan later said he reacted because he believed Hooker had tried to intimidate him.[108] In January 2026, UFC president Dana White said the headbutt "a hundred per cent" factored into the promotion's decision to pass over Tsarukyan for an interim lightweight title fight.[109]

Post-fight brawl after RAF 06

Following Tsarukyan's win over Georgio Poullas at RAF 06: Cejudo vs. Faber, a post-match altercation between the two escalated into a brawl involving members of both teams. Footage of the incident shows Tsarukyan striking Poullas after the match before additional individuals entered and the situation developed into a wider melee.[110] Days later, the pair were booked for a submission-only grappling rematch at Hype Brazil on March 11, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but Poullas withdrew and the bout was removed from the event lineup.[76][77] Following the withdrawal, RAF confirmed the rematch would headline RAF 07 on March 28, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.[111]

Airline incident

On April 16, 2026, Tsarukyan was involved in an incident on an American Airlines flight he was boarding from Los Angeles to Philadelphia for RAF 08: Tsarukyan vs. Faber where he was escorted off the aircraft after refusing to take his assigned seat.[112] The airline issued a public statement citing non‑compliance with crew instructions, and video of the incident circulated widely online.[112]

RAF 08 wrestling match incident

In April 2026, Tsarukyan drew significant public criticism following a controversial freestyle wrestling match against UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber at RAF 08. During the match, Tsarukyan executed a high-velocity takedown that drove both athletes off the elevated competition stage and onto the concrete arena floor.[113] Faber called him a "spoiled kid"[114] afterward and jokingly stated that the takedown "realigned" his back.[113] While neither athlete sustained serious injury, the move was labeled "dirty" by event organizers and sparked a debate over Tsarukyan's professional conduct.

His public image was further impacted by a subsequent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, where he claimed the act was intentional, stating he "wanted to hurt" Faber due to pre-match trash talk.[115] However, Tsarukyan retracted this statement as a joke seconds later.[116]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
26 matches 23 wins 3 losses
By knockout 9 1
By submission 6 0
By decision 8 2
More information Res., Record ...
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 23–3 Dan Hooker Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker November 22, 2025 2 3:34 Al Rayyan, Qatar Performance of the Night.
Win 22–3 Charles Oliveira Decision (split) UFC 300 April 13, 2024 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States UFC Lightweight title eliminator.
Win 21–3 Beneil Dariush KO (knee and punches) UFC on ESPN: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan December 2, 2023 1 1:04 Austin, Texas, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 20–3 Joaquim Silva TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Vettori vs. Cannonier June 17, 2023 3 3:25 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 19–3 Damir Ismagulov Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Strickland December 17, 2022 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 18–3 Mateusz Gamrot Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot June 25, 2022 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 18–2 Joel Álvarez TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs. Green February 26, 2022 2 1:57 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 17–2 Christos Giagos TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Spann September 18, 2021 1 2:09 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 16–2 Matt Frevola Decision (unanimous) UFC 257 January 24, 2021 3 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Catchweight (157 lb) bout; Tsarukyan missed weight.
Win 15–2 Davi Ramos Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Figueiredo vs. Benavidez 2 July 18, 2020 3 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Win 14–2 Olivier Aubin-Mercier Decision (unanimous) UFC 240 July 27, 2019 3 5:00 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Loss 13–2 Islam Makhachev Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Oleinik April 20, 2019 3 5:00 Saint Petersburg, Russia Fight of the Night.
Win 13–1 Felipe Olivieri KO (head kick) League S-70: Plotforma Cup 2018 August 22, 2018 3 1:25 Sochi, Russia
Win 12–1 Júnior Assunção Decision (unanimous) Modern Fighting Pankration 220 May 26, 2018 3 5:00 Khabarovsk, Russia Defended the FEMFP Lightweight Championship.
Win 11–1 Wu Haotian TKO (spinning back kick to the body and punches) Gods of War World MMA Championship March 24, 2018 3 0:31 Beijing, China
Win 10–1 Takenori Sato Decision (unanimous) Modern Fighting Pankration 214 December 2, 2017 3 5:00 Khabarovsk, Russia Won the FEMFP Lightweight Championship.
Win 9–1 Kim Kyung-pyo Decision (unanimous) Road FC 43 October 28, 2017 3 5:00 Seoul, South Korea
Win 8–1 Márcio Breno Submission (rear-naked choke) League S-70: Plotforma Cup 2017 August 8, 2017 1 2:54 Sochi, Russia Return to Lightweight.
Win 7–1 Nizamuddin Ramazanov Submission (rear-naked choke) Modern Fighting Pankration 209 May 13, 2017 1 2:27 Khabarovsk, Russia Featherweight debut.
Win 6–1 Gustavo Wurlitzer Submission (rear-naked choke) Octagon Fighting Sensation 11 March 4, 2017 1 3:22 Moscow, Russia
Win 5–1 Alexander Belikh Submission (guillotine choke) Modern Fighting Pankration: Eastern Rubicon 2 December 10, 2016 1 2:51 Khabarovsk, Russia
Win 4–1 Dmitriy Shkrabiy TKO (punches) Modern Fighting Pankration 204 November 5, 2016 1 2:21 Vladivostok, Russia
Win 3–1 Alexander Merezhko Submission (anaconda choke) Modern Fighting Pankration: Governor's Pankration Cup 2016 October 21, 2016 2 1:28 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
Win 2–1 Ali Khaibulaev KO (punch) Modern Fighting Pankration: Cup of Administration in Modern Pankration May 6, 2016 1 0:33 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
Loss 1–1 Alexander Belikh KO (punch) Modern Fighting Pankration: Eastern Rubicon December 12, 2015 1 0:30 Khabarovsk, Russia
Win 1–0 Shamil Olokhanov TKO (punches) Modern Fighting Pankration: Assault Nights of Spassk 2015 September 25, 2015 1 2:47 Spassk-Dalny, Russia Lightweight debut.
Close

[120]

Freestyle wrestling record

More information Freestyle matches, Res. ...
Freestyle matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event Location
RAF 08 at 175 lb middleweight limit.
Win 4–0 United States Urijah Faber Tech. fall 13–1 April 18, 2026 RAF 08: Tsarukyan vs. Faber United States Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
RAF 07 at 175 lb middleweight limit.
Win 3–0 United States Georgio Poullas Pts. 9–3 March 28, 2026 RAF 07: Tsarukyan vs. Poullas 2 United States Tampa, Florida
RAF 06 at 175 lb middleweight limit.
Win 2–0 United States Georgio Poullas Pts. 5–3 February 28, 2026 RAF 06: Cejudo vs. Faber United States Tempe, Arizona[84][83]
RAF 05 at 170 lb catchweight limit.
Win 1–0 United States Lance Palmer Tech. fall 10–0 January 10, 2026 RAF 05: Covington vs. Rockhold United States Sunrise, Florida[82]
Close

Submission grappling record

6 Matches, 5 Wins, 0 Losses, 1 Draw
Win5–0–1England Muhammad MokaevTechnical submission (rear-naked choke)Hype FC: BrazilMarch 11, 2026Brazil Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Draw4–0–1Russia Sharabutdin MagomedovDrawHype FC: Akopyan vs. OevDecember 30, 2025Armenia Yerevan, Armenia
Win4–0Russia Mehdi BaydulaevSubmission (rear-naked choke)ACBJJ 20December 17, 2025Russia Moscow, Russia
Win3–0United States Benson HendersonTechnical decision (arm-triangle choke)ACBJJ 18September 19, 2025Russia Moscow, Russia[71]
Win2–0Brazil Patricky "Pitbull" FreireSubmission (rear-naked choke)ADXC 10May 31, 2025Russia Moscow, Russia
Win1–0Russia Makkasharip ZaynukovDecision (unanimous)Karate Combat 54May 2, 2025United Arab Emirates Dubai, United Arab Emirates[68]

Notes

  1. Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) refers to its grappling brand as Absolute Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (ACBJJ).

References

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