Arman Tsarukyan (Photo courtesy: Arman Tsarukyan Instagram)
Arman Tsarukyan Wealth
Arman Tsarukyan’s journey to the pinnacle of mixed martial arts (MMA) is a compelling narrative that defies the conventional “rags-to-riches” storyline often associated with fighters. Born on October 11, 1996, in Akhalkalaki, Georgia, into an Armenian family, Arman is the middle child, flanked by an older brother and a younger sister. His father, Nairi Tsarukyan, is a successful businessman in the construction industry, and his mother, Anahit Hakobyan, is also involved in the family business.
Arman Tsarukyan (Photo courtesy: Arman Tsarukyan Instagram)
From Hockey to Fighting: A Life of Choices
Seeking better opportunities, the Tsarukyan family relocated to Russia when Arman was three years old. This move provided Arman with access to diverse athletic pursuits. He initially engaged in freestyle wrestling, achieving notable success, but later developed a passion for ice hockey, dedicating a decade to the sport and even playing for the junior team of Hockey Club Amur.
However, his Caucasian roots kept wrestling close to his heart. Even while pursuing hockey, Tsarukyan attended freestyle wrestling classes before practice—a foreshadowing of where his future lay.
At 17, he made a defining decision: he left hockey behind to focus fully on combat sports. Arman competed in wrestling, grappling, and pankration, steadily building his skill set. During this time, his father not only supported him financially but also gave him work at the family construction company. By 18, Tsarukyan was already driving luxury cars and living a life of success—unattainable for most people his age.
Arman Tsarukyan (Photo courtesy: Arman Tsarukyan Instagram)
Discipline Above All
What set Tsarukyan apart from others who grew up in comfort was his unwavering discipline. Despite the luxurious lifestyle his family afforded him, Arman set his sights on becoming an elite-level MMA fighter and worked tirelessly to get there.
After a devastating knockout loss in just his second professional fight, Arman bounced back with laser focus. He went on an impressive winning streak, catching the attention of the UFC. At just 22 years old, Tsarukyan accepted a short-notice fight against rising star Islam Makhachev. Though he didn’t pull off the upset, he gave Makhachev one of his toughest battles, earning Fight of the Night honors and gaining the respect of fans and peers alike.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 26: Arman Tsarukyan of Armenia mbp during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC)
Rapid Rise in the UFC
Since that fight, Tsarukyan has gone 9-1, with his only loss being a controversial decision to Mateusz Gamrot. Along the way, he has continued to show improvement in all areas of his game.
For his victory over Davi Ramos, Arman’s father rewarded him with a brand-new BMW M5—a small glimpse into the lifestyle Tsarukyan enjoys. He owns real estate, luxury sports cars, and frequently vacations at the world’s most exclusive resorts. Yet none of this distracts him from his ultimate goal. Tsarukyan remains one of the hardest workers in any gym, often arriving first and leaving last.
Arman Tsarukyan (Photo courtesy: Arman Tsarukyan Instagram)
A Complete Fighter
At 28 years old, Tsarukyan is reaching his prime and showcasing a skill set that makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the lightweight division.
- Wrestling and Grappling: Arman’s wrestling is already world-class, allowing him to go toe-to-toe with elite grapplers like Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev.
- Striking: Tsarukyan’s evolution as a striker is undeniable. His powerful kicks and precise hand combinations have become increasingly dangerous weapons.
His ability to blend striking with grappling gives him the edge to compete with the very best in the division. On January 18th at UFC 311, Tsarukyan gets another shot at Islam Makhachev and his first shot at UFC gold!