Arman Nairovich Tsarukyan Bio
Arman Nairovich Tsarukyan is an Armenian professional mixed martial artist born on October 11, 1996. He competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is recognized for his skill and speed. As of November 18, 2025, Tsarukyan holds the #1 ranking in the UFC lightweight division, establishing himself as one of the top contenders in the sport.
Early Life and Background
Tsarukyan was born in Akhalkalaki, Georgia, into an Armenian family near the Armenian border. His father, Nairi Tsarukyan, is a businessman involved in construction. Arman is the middle child with an older brother and a younger sister. When he was three years old, the family moved to Russia seeking better opportunities.
In his youth, Tsarukyan engaged in multiple sports, initially focusing on freestyle wrestling where he showed promise. Later, he developed a strong interest in ice hockey and played for ten years, including time with the junior team of Hockey Club Amur. Approaching adulthood, he stopped playing hockey to assist his father in the construction business.
Path to MMA
Tsarukyan transitioned from his early sports background to mixed martial arts, making his professional debut in 2015. He quickly built a reputation through regional promotions in Russia and Asia, compiling a strong record with numerous finishes. His early success and skill development paved the way for his entry into the UFC, where he signed a four-fight contract after achieving a 13–1 record.
Arman Tsarukyan Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Tsarukyan debuted professionally in 2015 with a first-round technical knockout victory. Despite an early setback with a knockout loss in his second fight, he rebounded strongly by winning his next 12 bouts, many by stoppage. This period was crucial for honing his skills and gaining experience across various promotions in Russia and Asia.
His consistent performances and finishing ability attracted attention from the UFC, leading to his signing in 2019. This marked a significant step up to the global stage of mixed martial arts competition.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Tsarukyan made his UFC debut on April 20, 2019, against Islam Makhachev in a highly competitive fight that earned Fight of the Night honors despite a unanimous decision loss. He quickly bounced back with wins over Olivier Aubin-Mercier and Davi Ramos, showcasing his well-rounded skills and tactical acumen.
Throughout his UFC tenure, Tsarukyan has earned multiple Performance of the Night awards, including victories by technical knockout and submission. Notable wins include a first-round knockout of Beneil Dariush in December 2023 and a split decision victory over former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024. As of late 2025, he remains a top contender in the lightweight division with a record of 23 wins and 3 losses.
Lion Heart American Top Team Era (Present)
Currently fighting out of Lion Heart American Top Team, Tsarukyan continues to develop under the guidance of this elite camp. His recent performances, including a submission win over Dan Hooker in November 2025, demonstrate his evolving skill set and strategic approach. The partnership with his team has been instrumental in maintaining his position at the top of the lightweight rankings.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Tsarukyan fights in an orthodox stance and is known for his speed, technical wrestling, and submission skills. His ability to adapt during fights and execute diverse strategies makes him a formidable opponent across various fight scenarios. His reach and agility complement his striking and grappling, contributing to his success in the lightweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key moments in Tsarukyan’s career include earning Fight of the Night honors in his UFC debut and multiple Performance of the Night bonuses. His victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 and his rapid knockout of Beneil Dariush stand out as career-defining achievements. Despite a suspension in 2024 related to an altercation, he returned strongly to competition and maintained his elite status.
Arman Tsarukyan Career Wins
Tsarukyan has amassed a professional record of 23 wins and 3 losses, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. His ability to finish fights and perform consistently at a high level has established him as a leading lightweight contender in the UFC.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2019, Tsarukyan has secured multiple notable wins, including a technical knockout over Christos Giagos and a submission victory against Dan Hooker. His wins often earn performance bonuses, reflecting his exciting fighting style and effectiveness inside the octagon. He has also been part of several Fight of the Night bouts, underscoring his competitive spirit and fan appeal.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Tsarukyan compiled a strong record in regional promotions across Russia and Asia, finishing many opponents by submission or knockout. He also has success in submission grappling competitions, including winning the expert middleweight division at NAGA Los Angeles in 2023.
Arman Tsarukyan Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tsarukyan comes from an Armenian family with a business background. His father is involved in construction, and the family relocated from Georgia to Russia during Arman’s early childhood. There is no public information indicating a family history in professional sports or martial arts.
Personal Life
Arman Tsarukyan is married to Milena, with whom he has two daughters. He is a practicing Christian and maintains his residence in Yerevan, Armenia. His family life is kept relatively private, but he has shared milestones such as the birth of his children and his marriage publicly.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Tsarukyan remained highly active and successful, securing key victories that reinforced his status as the top lightweight contender. He won a submission victory over Dan Hooker in November, earning another Performance of the Night award. Despite a scheduled title fight rematch against Islam Makhachev being canceled due to injury, Tsarukyan stayed prepared as a backup for other title bouts, demonstrating his commitment and readiness.
His partnership with Lion Heart American Top Team continues to be a cornerstone of his training and competitive strategy. Looking ahead, Tsarukyan is positioned as a leading figure in the lightweight division with potential title opportunities on the horizon.