One of the most popular UFC fighters is Arman Tsarukyan. Biography

Arman Tsarukyan is a Russian-Armenian mixed martial artist competing in the UFC lightweight division. He ranks second in the division's rankings and is among the leading contenders for the championship title. Tsarukyan has 23 wins with three defeats on his professional account. On September 19, 2026, the athlete will have his next match against Brazilian Mauricio Ruffi. About the life and career of a fighter — in the material "Izvestia".

Childhood and the first steps in sports

Arman Tsarukyan was born on October 11, 1996 in the city of Akhalkalaki in Georgia. As a child, he moved to Russia with his family. The future fighter's first hobby was hockey, which he practiced for about six years.

Tsarukyan later switched to martial arts. He was engaged in freestyle wrestling and grappling, participated in amateur competitions and received the title of master of sports in freestyle wrestling and MMA. One of the main achievements before moving to the professional level was winning the Pankration World Championship.

The beginning of a professional career

Tsarukyan began his professional career in mixed martial arts in 2015. He performed mainly at tournaments in Russia and Asia and gradually established himself as a versatile fighter, able to effectively combine wrestling with striking techniques.

Before joining the UFC, Tsarukyan became the champion of the MFP and Kunlun organizations, and also won the S-70 combat Sambo League tournaments twice. A series of successful performances allowed him to get a contract with the largest MMA promotion in the world.

UFC debut and fight with Islam Makhachev

Tsarukyan made his UFC debut on April 20, 2019. Already in the first match, he was opposed by the future champion of the organization, Islam Makhachev. The fighter lost to the Dagestani by a unanimous decision of the judges, but the competitive fight brought both athletes a bonus for the best match of the evening and drew attention to the debutant.

After the defeat, Tsarukyan won five victories in a row. He successively passed Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Davy Ramos, Matt Frevola, Christos Giagos and Yoel Alvarez and approached the leading positions of the lightweight division.

The path to the top of the lightweight division

In June 2022, Tsarukyan had his first five-round bout in the UFC against Mateusz Gamrot. The fight lasted the entire distance and ended with Tsarukyan's defeat by unanimous decision. After that, the athlete started the winning streak again.

Tsarukyan defeated Damir Ismagulov and Joaquim Silva, and in December 2023 he knocked out Beneel Dariusz in the 64th second of the match. In April 2024, at the UFC 300 anniversary tournament, he scored one of the main victories of his career, defeating former UFC champion Charles Oliveira by split decision.

After defeating Oliveira, Tsarukyan won the right to rematch with Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. The fight was scheduled to take place on January 18, 2025 at UFC 311, but Tsarukyan withdrew the day before the tournament, citing a back injury. He returned to the octagon in November of the same year and defeated Dan Hooker with a choke hold in the second round.

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Tsarukyan's style

One of Tsarukyan's main strengths is his wrestling training. He actively uses transfers, opponent control and work in the stalls, but as his career progressed, he significantly strengthened his striking technique.

The statistics of professional performances also demonstrate the versatility of an athlete. Of the 23 victories, Tsarukyan won nine by knockouts, six by receptions and eight more by judges' decisions. He completed eight fights already in the first round.

Awards and achievements

Before joining the UFC, Tsarukyan became the pankration world champion, won the MFP and Kunlun titles, and also became the S-70 League champion twice. In addition, the athlete holds the titles of Master of sports in freestyle wrestling and MMA.

Tsarukyan's main achievements in the UFC are associated with victories over former champion Charles Oliveira, Beneel Dariusz, Dan Hooker and other leading representatives of the lightweight division. By September 2026, his professional record stands at 23 wins and three losses.

Personal life

Tsarukyan tries to separate his professional career and his personal life. The main part of his public activity is related to training, performances and events in the world of mixed martial arts. At the same time, the athlete is known for his interest in cars and his love of delicious food.