Almost six years after their first competitive fight, Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev step into the Octagon to define the best lightweight on the planet at UFC 311. Tsarukyan has amassed a 9-1 record since his first meeting with the Dagestani in April 2019, and his split decision win against former champion Charles Oliveira on the UFC 300 Main Card has proved he is the biggest thing in the lightweight division of the promotion.

But do you know whether the number one lightweight in the UFC is a Russian or an Armenian? Well, that is a confusion that many fans have in their mind. So, without further ado, let’s find out the true nationality of Arman Tsarukyan ahead of his much-anticipated bout.

Arman Tsarukyan’s Flag and Country

Arman Tsarukyan stands out in the UFC due to his quite unique story. Tsarukyan was born in the small Georgian village of Akhalkalaki, which has a large Armenian population. While his MMA journey has taken him places, from Georgia to Russia and now to the United States of America, the 28-year-old identifies himself as an Armenian. Despite having spent almost his whole life in Russia, Tsarukyan enters the Octagon wearing the Armenian flag.

Tsarukyan has defended his decision in interviews, stating that representing Armenia motivates him throughout fights. He once said, “I love Russia and have lived there all my life, but the Armenian flag represents me best because I am 100% Armenian. When I see Armenians in the stands, waving the flag, I feel unstoppable.” Tsarukyan feels that by wearing the Armenian flag, he would motivate Armenian fighters and draw attention to his country on the global MMA scene.

About Arman Tsarukyan’s Nationality

Arman Tsarukyan’s nationality is a unique combination of his Georgian origins, Russian upbringing, and Armenian heritage. Tsarukyan was born in Akhalkalaki, a Georgian town with a large Armenian community, and migrated to Khabarovsk, Russia, with his family when he was two years old. His father, Nairi Tsarukyan, sought better chances in Russia, where Arman grew up and found a love for combat sports.

While the 28-year-old considers Russia his home and admits its influence on his career, his relationship with Armenia is very personal. He identifies as ethnically Armenian, and his decision to carry the Armenian flag in the UFC represents his pride in his heritage. In interviews, Tsarukyan has expressed a strong desire to draw attention to Armenia, a country with little presence in mixed martial arts.

He stated, “There has never been an Armenian who fought for the UFC title. I want to be the first. I’ve lived in Russia my whole life, but I represent Armenia because I want people to know about our small country. It’s a part of who I am.” Well, his fans would surely want their hero to become the first Armenian champion in the history of the Dana White-led promotion. Maybe this will bring an influx of new Armenian fighters to the UFC. However, for that, he will have to defeat Islam Makhachev. What do you think? Will Arman Tsarukyan be able to win the fight? Let us know in the comments.