Who Is Arman Tsarukyan?

Arman Nairovich Tsarukyan was born on October 11, 1996, in Akhalkalaki, Georgia. Although born in Georgia, he represents Armenia and has become one of the country’s biggest MMA stars. He initially trained in ice hockey before transitioning into wrestling and combat sports. His wrestling foundation later became one of the strongest aspects of his MMA game.

Tsarukyan made his professional MMA debut in 2015 and quickly built a reputation as a highly skilled grappler with exceptional athleticism.

Today, he competes in the UFC lightweight division and is widely regarded as one of the best 155-pound fighters in the world.

Arman Tsarukyan Height and Physical Attributes

One of the most searched topics about Tsarukyan is his height.

Arman Tsarukyan Height

• Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
• Weight Class: Lightweight (155 lbs)
• Reach: 72.5 inches
• Stance: Orthodox

Although he is shorter than many lightweight contenders, Tsarukyan compensates with explosive speed, exceptional wrestling, and impressive strength.

His reach advantage compared to his height allows him to compete effectively against taller opponents.

Arman Tsarukyan UFC Career

Tsarukyan entered the UFC in April 2019 against Islam Makhachev on short notice.

Although he lost via unanimous decision, many fans and analysts were impressed by his performance because he pushed Makhachev harder than most opponents at the time. The fight is still considered one of the toughest challenges of Makhachev’s UFC career.

Following that defeat, Tsarukyan steadily climbed the rankings by defeating several respected fighters.

Notable UFC Victories

• Olivier Aubin-Mercier
• Davi Ramos
• Matt Frevola
• Christos Giagos
• Joel Alvarez
• Damir Ismagulov
• Joaquim Silva
• Beneil Dariush
• Charles Oliveira
• Dan Hooker

Each victory showcased a different aspect of his game, proving that he is much more than just a wrestler.

Arman Tsarukyan UFC Record

As of June 2026, Tsarukyan holds a professional MMA record of:

23 Wins – 3 Losses – 0 Draws

Breakdown of victories:

• 9 wins by KO/TKO
• 6 wins by submission
• 8 wins by decision

His balanced finishing statistics demonstrate why he is considered one of the most complete fighters in the lightweight division.

UFC Statistics

According to UFC records:

• Significant Strikes Landed: 567
• Striking Accuracy: 50%+
• Takedown Average: 3.26 per 15 minutes
• Takedown Defense: 75%
• Significant Strike Defense: 55%

These numbers highlight the elite nature of his overall game.

Arman Tsarukyan vs Islam Makhachev

One of the most discussed matchups in lightweight history remains Tsarukyan vs Makhachev.

Their first meeting occurred in Tsarukyan’s UFC debut. While Makhachev won, the fight revealed Tsarukyan’s immense potential.

Many experts believe Tsarukyan has improved more than almost any fighter since that matchup. As a result, fans continue calling for a rematch between the two elite wrestlers.

A second fight would likely have championship implications.

Arman Tsarukyan vs Charles Oliveira

Tsarukyan secured one of the biggest wins of his career when he defeated former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300.

The bout was highly competitive and ended with Tsarukyan earning a split-decision victory. The win elevated him into title contention and demonstrated his ability to compete with the very best fighters in the world.

Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker

Another significant victory came against Dan Hooker.

At UFC Qatar in November 2025, Tsarukyan submitted Hooker via arm-triangle choke in the second round, extending his winning streak and strengthening his case for a title opportunity.

The performance showcased his improved submission game and fight IQ.

Arman Tsarukyan Next Fight

One of the hottest questions among MMA fans is:

Who is Arman Tsarukyan fighting next?

Current reports indicate Tsarukyan is scheduled to face veteran fighter Tony Ferguson at RAF 10. The match is expected to take place in June 2026 as part of the Real American Freestyle promotion.

Additionally, Tsarukyan has been linked to future UFC title contention and remains one of the leading contenders in the lightweight division.

What Is RAF and Why Is Tsarukyan Competing There?

RAF stands for Real American Freestyle Wrestling.

The promotion has attracted several notable MMA fighters and wrestlers looking to showcase their grappling abilities outside traditional MMA competition.

At RAF 10, Tsarukyan is expected to compete against Tony Ferguson in one of the event’s most anticipated matches.

His participation highlights his elite wrestling credentials and willingness to stay active while awaiting his next UFC opportunity.

Fighting Style

Tsarukyan possesses one of the most complete skill sets in MMA.

Wrestling

His wrestling is often considered world-class.

He consistently secures takedowns against high-level opponents and excels in scrambles.

Striking

Over the years, his striking has improved dramatically.

His knockout victory over Beneil Dariush demonstrated his growing power and confidence on the feet.

Grappling

Beyond wrestling, Tsarukyan is a dangerous submission artist.

His six professional submission victories include rear-naked chokes and various front-headlock attacks.

Is Arman Tsarukyan Married?

Many fans frequently search for information regarding Arman Tsarukyan’s wife.

As of 2026, Tsarukyan keeps much of his personal life private. While there have been discussions about his relationships, he has not publicly shared extensive information about a wife or marriage.

Because of his preference for privacy, reliable public details regarding his marital status remain limited.

Arman Tsarukyan Rankings

Tsarukyan currently ranks among the elite fighters in the UFC.

According to UFC rankings, he is:

• #2 Lightweight Contender
• Top 15 Pound-for-Pound Fighter

These rankings reflect his impressive performances against elite competition.

Community Opinion on Tsarukyan

Among MMA fans, Tsarukyan is widely respected.

Many Reddit discussions highlight his competitiveness against Islam Makhachev and debate whether he deserved victories in some controversial decisions. Fans frequently cite his technical skills, youth, and continuous improvement as reasons he could eventually become champion.

There is also considerable excitement about potential future matchups involving Tsarukyan and top contenders such as Ilia Topuria.

Can Arman Tsarukyan Become UFC Champion?

Many analysts believe the answer is yes.

Several factors support this prediction:

Elite Wrestling

Very few lightweights can match his grappling ability.

Age Advantage

At 29 years old, he is still entering his athletic prime.

Well-Rounded Skills

Unlike many specialists, Tsarukyan can win by knockout, submission, or decision.

Experience

He has already faced numerous top-ranked opponents.

If he continues developing, a UFC title reign appears increasingly likely.

Legacy and Future Outlook

Tsarukyan has already established himself as one of Armenia’s most successful MMA athletes.

His journey from a young wrestler to a UFC title contender demonstrates remarkable dedication and perseverance.

With a record of 23-3, elite rankings, and a growing fan base, his future remains extremely bright. Whether through a UFC championship opportunity, a rematch with Islam Makhachev, or high-profile appearances in promotions like RAF, Tsarukyan is expected to remain a major figure in combat sports for years to come.

FAQs

What is Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC record?

Arman Tsarukyan’s professional MMA record stands at 23 wins and 3 losses, with 9 wins by knockout and 6 by submission.

How tall is Arman Tsarukyan?

He is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.

Who is Arman Tsarukyan fighting next?

Current reports indicate he is scheduled to face Tony Ferguson at RAF 10.

What does RAF stand for?

RAF stands for Real American Freestyle Wrestling, a wrestling-focused combat sports promotion.

Has Arman Tsarukyan fought Islam Makhachev?

Yes. Tsarukyan made his UFC debut against Islam Makhachev in 2019 and lost by unanimous decision.

Is Arman Tsarukyan married?

Tsarukyan keeps his personal life private, and there is no widely confirmed public information regarding a wife or marriage.

What ranking is Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC?

He is ranked among the top lightweight contenders and is also listed in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings.

Can Arman Tsarukyan become UFC champion?

Many analysts and fans believe he has the skills, age, and experience necessary to eventually capture the UFC lightweight title.