Why Does Arman Tsarukyan Represent Armenia? His Georgian Birth, Russian Upbringing & Ethnic Heritage
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Arman Tsarukyan may be the #1 lightweight in the UFC and the man preparing to headline UFC Fight Night 265 against Dan Hooker, but inside the arena, one detail always sparks debate: he walks out with the Armenian flag, even though he trains, lives, and built his fighting career in Russia.
Arman Tsarukyan was born on October 11, 1996 and his story begins in Akhalkalaki, a small town in Georgia located near the Armenian border. Although the town is geographically Georgian, it is largely populated by Armenians, including Tsarukyan’s own family. He was born into an Armenian household with an older brother and younger sister, raised by parents who carried strong cultural roots.
The answer isn’t complicated: Tsarukyan is ethnically Armenian, born in Georgia, and raised in Russia. His identity is layered, and he acknowledges all three parts of it. Even his nickname, “Ahalkalakets,” nods to his Georgian birthplace, while his mannerisms and traditions reflect the Armenian household he grew up in. It’s a blend that mirrors his upbringing: one foot in Russia, one heart in Armenia.
His athletic journey reflects that same path. He played hockey in Russia for HC Amur’s junior team before shifting into wrestling and eventually MMA — opportunities he might never have found had his family not moved.
As we mentioned above, Tsarukyan was born in Akhalkalaki, a small town in Georgia, which is mostly inhabited by Armenians. But soon, his family moved to Russia and settled in the soviet nation. However, it was Armenia that Tsarukyan chose to represent in his fights. Why? Well, that’s because his roots originate from Armenia, even though he stays in Russia.
In a previous interview with Sports, he revealed that he planned to get a house or an apartment in the United States. But it’s Russia that has his heart. He said, “Russia is home. I grew up there. Secondly, I prefer Russian people and everyone who lives in Russia. Third is the nature that Russia has: forests, mountains.” As such, when he lifts the Armenian flag, he isn’t choosing one country over another, he’s honoring the heritage that shaped his values, his mindset, and his fighting spirit.
