Arman Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan (Armenian: Արման Ծառուկյան; born October 11, 1996) is an Armenian mixed martial artist who competes in the lightweight division. He is currently signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of September 21, 2021, he is #13 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

Background

Tsarukyan was born to an Armenian family in Akhalkalaki, Georgia.

MMA career

Early career

Tsarukyan made his professional debut in mixed martial arts on September 25, 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. He compiled a 13–1 record prior to signing a four-fight contract with the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Tsarukyan made his UFC debut against Islam Makhachev, one of the main training partners of Khabib Nurmagomedov, on April 20, 2019 at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Oleinik. It was a fast-paced fight with high level wrestling exchanges, and Tsarukyan lost the fight via a unanimous decision. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night bonus.

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

Tsarukyan was expected to face Davis Ramos on April 11, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed. The bout eventually moved to UFC Fight Night 172 on July 19, 2020. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Tsarukyan was expected to face Nasrat Haqparast on January 24, 2021 at UFC 257. However, on the day of the weigh ins, Haqparast pulled out of the fight citing an illness. As a result, the promotion negotiated a matchup between Tsarukyan and Matt Frevola to keep both fighters on the card. Subsequently, Tsarukyan forfeited 20% of his purse as a result of missing weight, which went to Frevola. Tsarukyan won the fight via unanimous decision.

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

Tsarukyan is expected to face Joel Álvarez on February 26, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 202. He won the bout via ground and pound TKO in the second round. The win also earned Tsarukyan his second consecutive Performance of the Night bonus award.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Islam Makhachev.

Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Christos Giagos and Joel Álvarez.