Arman Nairovich Tsarukyan (Armenian: Արման Նաիրիի Ծառուկյան, Russian: Арман Наирович Царукян; IPA: [/ɐrˈman nɐjˈrovʲɪtɕ tsɐrʊˈkʲan/], born October 11, 1996) is an Armenian and Russian professional mixed martial artist, submission grappler, and freestyle wrestler. He currently competes in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of January 27, 2026, he is #2 in the Meta UFC lightweight rankings and as of June 23, 2026, he is #14 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.
Tsarukyan was born into an Armenian family in Akhalkalaki, Georgia, near the Armenian border. Arman's father, Nairi Tsarukyan, is a businessman, 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, eventually settling in Khabarovsk.
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. He played for the junior team of Hockey Club Amur. However, when Arman was approaching adulthood, he was forced to stop hockey in order to aid his father working in construction. In a Q&A on UFC.com, Tsarukyan said he played ice hockey for six years before starting MMA. During his wrestling career, he attained the rank of Master of Sports. Before turning professional, he also earned a second Master of Sports rank in mixed martial arts.
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. In a Q&A on UFC.com, Tsarukyan said he won multiple wrestling and grappling tournaments in amateur competition.
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. He compiled a 13–1 record prior to signing a four-fight contract with the UFC.
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.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Tsarukyan made his UFC debut against future lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, on April 20, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 149. 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. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night bonus.
Tsarukyan faced Olivier Aubin-Mercier on July 27, 2019, at UFC 240 and won the fight via unanimous decision.
Tsarukyan was expected to face Davi Ramos on April 11, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was postponed. The bout was rescheduled for 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. The promotion negotiated a matchup between Tsarukyan and Matt Frevola. Tsarukyan forfeited 20% of his purse after 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.
As the first bout of his new four-fight contract, Tsarukyan faced 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.
Tsarukyan faced Mateusz Gamrot on June 25, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 38. He lost the closely contested fight via unanimous decision. 15 of 22 MMA media outlets scored the bout in favor of Tsarukyan. Both fighters earned the Fight of the Night award.
As the first bout of his new, four-fight contract, Tsarukyan faced Damir Ismagulov on December 17, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 216. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Tsarukyan was scheduled to face Renato Moicano on April 29, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 45. However, Moicano withdrew due to an injury and Tsarukyan was pulled from the card as well.
Tsarukyan faced Joaquim Silva on June 17, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 47. He won the bout via TKO in the third round.
Tsarukyan faced Beneil Dariush on December 2, 2023, in the main event at UFC on ESPN 52. He won the fight in 64 seconds by first-round knockout due to a knee to the head followed by punches. The fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.