Representing the flag of one nation while staying and training in a different country isn’t common for most of the fighters. But these rules don’t hold on strong for Arman Tsarukyan. Despite having his training center and home in Russia, ‘Ahalkalakets’ loves to shoulder the Armenian flag in the UFC. 

This has placed a huge question mark on top of the #1 lightweight contender, as the fighting community began wondering the reason behind his decision. So without any ado, let’s dive in and learn everything about Tsarukyan’s nationality and ethnicity. 

Where is Arman Tsarukyan from? 

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. 

During an interview with MMA Fighting on SBN, he said, “I love Russia. I like living there, I’ve lived there all my life. As for the flag, I think the Armenian flag represents me best because I am one hundred percent Armenian. I tell everyone: I am a Russian fighter, but I represent Armenia. I am motivated when I see Armenians in the stands, the flags of Armenia and Russia. At moments like these, I know that no one can defeat me this evening. I will win or die.”

The freestyle wrestler fights out of Khabarovsk, Russia. But before the lightweight contender started his journey in the realm of mixed martial arts, he used to pursue several other interests. One of those interests was hockey, and he played for the junior team, Hockey Club Amur. But being in Russia, he found his way to wrestling, and then to MMA. 

Now, let’s take a look at the #1 lightweight contender’s family and background. After all, these are the things that played a major role in building him as the fighter that he is today. 

Arman Tsarukyan’s family and background

The lightweight contender didn’t hail from a rich household. Tsarukyan’s father, Nairi Tsarukyan has engaged himself in the construction business. Meanwhile, his mother, Anahit Hakobyan, took control of the household duties, while taking care of ‘Ahalkalakets’s brother, Arthur, and sister, Isabella. When Tsarukyan was two, his father moved the family to Khabarovsk, the city where his father’s workplace was. 

‘Ahalkalakets’ is now a married man. With his wife, Milena, Tsarukyan has fathered 2 children, and everything he does now is for the betterment of his family. The Armenian lightweight surely has found a way to change his life. 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.”

Now, Tsarukyan is all set to fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship title at UFC 311. Their previous battle resulted in an unfortunate defeat for the 28-year-old. But the Armenian-Russian mixed martial artist has developed himself to take on the lightweight champion and snatch his throne. However, the outcome of the battle is something that only time can tell. 

What do you think of Tsarukyan donning the Armenian flag despite growing up in Russia? Do you think he could have represented both countries in his fights? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.