Arman Tsarukyan Names Khabib Nurmagomedov as Biggest Inspiration: “He Was Goal For Us”

UFC lightweight title contender Arman Tsarukyan talks about former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Arman Tsarukyan Names Khabib Nurmagomedov as Biggest Inspiration: “He Was Goal For Us”

Arman Tsarukyan credits Khabib Nurmagomedov for inspiration (via Imago)

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Arman Tsarukyan is among the new generation of elite fighters, aiming to capture the prestigious UFC lightweight title. He has already proven himself by defeating top-ranked opponents, including the former champion Charles Oliveira in a thrilling bout. The fighter came close to getting the title at UFC 311, but a last-minute back injury forced him to pull out. 

Currently, Tsarukyan is fully focused on earning his title shot and will fight anyone the UFC offers him next. With elite wrestling and durability, many believe Tsarukyan has the perfect tools to become the next UFC lightweight champion. As a young fighter, he idolized UFC legends, especially Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, who deeply inspired his journey.

I got a lot of favorite fighters. I watch their fights always. To see how they move, how they wrestle. But if we say who inspired me when I was young – it was Khabib. Because he is from Russia and I’m from Russia as well, I live there. When I started training MMA, he was a goal for us. 

Arman Tsarukyan via King Of Violence 

Nurmagomedov’s dominance in the UFC spotlighted Dagestan, Russia, making it a global hub for world-class MMA talent. His undefeated legacy inspired countless young Dagestani athletes to pursue MMA professionally, believing they too could reach championship greatness someday.

After defeating Conor McGregor in the UFC’s most iconic bout, Nurmagomedov’s victory earned him national hero status in Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally met and congratulated the ‘Eagle’, acknowledging his international success and his positive impact on Russian youth.

After Nurmagomedov’s retirement, his teammates, such as Islam Makhachev, Umar and Usman Nurmagomedov, are currently carrying on his legacy in MMA. Despite his rivalry with Makhachev, Tsarukyan always respected Nurmagomedov and thanked him for his support after his latest injury. 

Interestingly, Tsarukyan once revealed his biggest motivation to join the UFC was simply to get Instagram verification status. Despite coming from a wealthy family, he chose the dangerous path of MMA, chasing glory instead of needing financial stability. His rise in the lightweight division hasn’t been smooth, as he’s had multiple heated rivalries with top 155-pound contenders.

Arman Tsarukyan slams UK-based top lightweight contender 

Besides Arman Tsarukyan, Paddy Pimblett has emerged as one of the biggest names in line for a lightweight title shot. Pimblett recently shared a tense face-off with the new champion Ilia Topuria, fueling anticipation for their highly requested rivalry matchup. Fans have long desired this clash, and the UFC may finally deliver it as both fighters are now at their peak.

Arman Tsarukyan mocks Paddy Pimblett's title contention
Arman Tsarukyan mocks Paddy Pimblett’s title contention (via X)

The UK native earned his title contention status by defeating Michael Chandler at UFC 309, proving his skills against a top lightweight veteran. His flamboyant personality, combined with sharp fighting ability, has made him a massive fan favorite in recent months. However, Tsarukyan, in a recent interview, shared that he doesn’t think the fighter deserves all that attention. 

You’ve got to delete [Pimblett] from the rankings. He’s not even deserving to be in top 10. He beat the last three guys, it was [Michael] Chandler, he had three losses. It was Bobby Green, he had three or four losses. It was Tony Ferguson, he had eight losses. That’s crazy and you want to bring that guy to fight for the title? You shouldn’t even mention his name, he doesn’t even deserve even mentioning his name.

Arman Tsarukyan via Overdogs Podcast

On the other hand, Pimblett has mocked Tsarukyan for withdrawing his name from the UFC 311 PPV card. He even accused Tsarukyan of coming from a privileged background, calling him a silver spoon fighter unworthy of real respect. Their ongoing trash talk has intensified the rivalry, building anticipation for a potential lightweight title eliminator between the two soon.

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