Arman Tsarukyan has steadily built a reputation as one of the most promising and dangerous fighters in the UFC lightweight division. Known for his well-rounded skill set, relentless cardio, and technical grappling, Tsarukyan has gained respect from fans and fighters alike as a future contender in the highly competitive 155-pound weight class. His journey in the UFC is marked by his toughness, development as a fighter, and a string of impressive performances against some of the division’s toughest opponents. Let’s explore the key moments and factors behind Tsarukyan's rise in the UFC.
1. A Strong UFC Debut Against Islam Makhachev
Arman Tsarukyan made his UFC debut in April 2019 against Islam Makhachev, one of the division’s most feared grapplers. Despite being a massive underdog, Tsarukyan put on an incredible performance, pushing Makhachev to the limit in a back-and-forth grappling battle. Although he lost via unanimous decision, Tsarukyan’s ability to hold his own against one of the best grapplers in the world made an immediate impression on fans and UFC insiders. This fight, even in defeat, showcased his potential as a future contender.
2. Building Momentum: A Streak of Impressive Wins
Following his debut loss to Makhachev, Tsarukyan bounced back with a series of dominant victories. He secured decision wins over Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Davi Ramos, and Matt Frevola, demonstrating his ability to control fights with a blend of wrestling, striking, and cardio. These performances highlighted his versatility—able to outstrike opponents on the feet while maintaining elite grappling control when needed. Tsarukyan's skill set proved difficult for any opponent to handle.
3. Elite Grappling and Wrestling
One of Tsarukyan’s key strengths is his wrestling and grappling, which has been honed through years of training in judo, sambo, and freestyle wrestling. He seamlessly blends these disciplines into his MMA game, making him one of the most complete grapplers in the lightweight division. His takedown ability, control on the ground, and chain-wrestling are on par with some of the best in the division, allowing him to dictate where the fight takes place. Tsarukyan’s wrestling is particularly effective against strikers, whom he neutralizes with ease through clinch work and takedowns.
4. Evolution of Striking
While Tsarukyan’s grappling has been his primary weapon, his striking has noticeably improved with each fight. Training with elite strikers, he has sharpened his boxing and kickboxing skills, allowing him to hold his own in striking exchanges. His striking is technically sound, with powerful kicks and crisp punches, and he uses it to set up his grappling. This evolution has made him a true threat in every aspect of the game, capable of finishing fights on the feet as well as on the ground.
5. Relentless Cardio and Pressure
Another hallmark of Tsarukyan’s game is his cardio. His ability to maintain a high pace throughout the fight, without fading in the later rounds, sets him apart from many of his opponents. Whether grappling, striking, or scrambling, Tsarukyan’s energy levels remain high, allowing him to overwhelm his adversaries. This relentless pressure, combined with his technical abilities, makes him a tough challenge for anyone in the division.
6. Rising Through the Ranks: Key Fights and Performances
After building momentum in the UFC, Tsarukyan faced his first ranked opponent in Mateusz Gamrot, a dangerous and well-rounded fighter. The fight was a competitive and high-paced contest, with both fighters showcasing elite skills in grappling and striking. Although Tsarukyan lost via a razor-thin decision, the fight was seen as one of the best lightweight contests of 2022 and earned him even more respect among fans and analysts.
In his next fight, Tsarukyan delivered a dominant performance against Joaquim Silva, winning via TKO. This victory not only demonstrated his evolution as a finisher but also solidified his place as a rising contender in the lightweight division.
7. Title Aspirations: A Future UFC Contender
At just 27 years old, Arman Tsarukyan is still evolving and has the potential to become a legitimate title contender in the UFC lightweight division. With a well-rounded game, elite grappling, and improving striking, he poses a serious threat to anyone in the division, including the top-ranked fighters. As he continues to grow, both technically and mentally, his path to a title shot becomes clearer.
With the lightweight division being one of the deepest and most competitive in the UFC, Tsarukyan will face stiff competition, but his skill set and determination make him a fighter to watch in the coming years. Whether it’s through grinding out decisions or finishing opponents with his improving striking and submissions, Tsarukyan has all the tools necessary to reach the top of the division.
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