(Video) ‘Money Flexing’ Arman Tsarukyan Told to Stay Humble by Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev and Arman Tsarukyan's brotherly bond was recently reinforced after the Chechen champion's recent comments.

(Video) ‘Money Flexing’ Arman Tsarukyan Told to Stay Humble by Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev trolls Arman Tsarukyan (via Instagram)

In Short
  • Khamzat Chimaev advises Arman Tsarukyan to stay humble and avoid flaunting wealth.
  • The two fighters have developed a strong friendship and training partnership over the years.
  • Tsarukyan's luxury lifestyle is largely attributed to his father's wealth, contrasting with Chimaev's humble beginnings.

In modern MMA, fighters who train in the same gyms or sparring circles often build strong bonds that go beyond competition. A clear example of this is the relationship between Khamzat Chimaev and Arman Tsarukyan. The two have formed a close, brother-like connection in recent years. This was recently highlighted when Chimaev stepped in after Tsarukyan showed off aspects of his luxury lifestyle.

The two fighters first met on a Russian reality show while competing on opposing teams in a structured setting. Despite being on different sides, they quickly recognized each other’s wrestling ability. Tsarukyan later trained with Chimaev to sharpen his wrestling ahead of his UFC 311 title shot against Islam Makhachev. Since then, they have remained consistent training partners and built a strong friendship.

The two have been training together even more recently as Chimaev prepares for his upcoming title defense against Sean Strickland at UFC 328. They were seen at Treigning Labs in Southern California, training under well-known coach Sam Calavitta. During this period, a playful exchange escalated when Tsarukyan downplayed his financial situation, prompting ‘Borz’ to step in with a reality check.

I tell him, money is not everything. Bring a normal car here, and you can’t bring a Ferrari or a Lamborghini here, coach. We need to make him humble, coach.

Khamzat Chimaev via Instagram

Luxury has played a major role in Tsarukyan’s UFC profile, with the Armenian lightweight often being spotted using luxury cars and private jets, along with dining at expensive restaurants. While Tsarukyan has built a solid net worth through his UFC career, much of his visible luxury lifestyle is attributed to his father and Armenian business tycoon Nairi Tsarukyan, who has a reported net worth of around $100 million.

In contrast, Chimaev grew up in a poor, conservative family during the First and Second Chechen Wars in Chechnya. He began wrestling at the age of five before emigrating to Sweden with his family at 18. After relocating, he worked in a chicken factory while continuing to pursue MMA. His early UFC career was also disrupted by severe COVID-19 complications, which affected his activity and slowed his rise.

However, Arman Tsarukyan has hinted that his family was not always wealthy, suggesting his current lifestyle does not fully reflect his early background. These comments have been supported by his brother, Artur Tsarukyan, who said their childhood involved financial struggles and hardship before their father became successful. Despite different life paths, Tsarukyan and Khamzat Chimaev’s bond remains strong.

Khamzat Chimaev reveals hilarious reason behind Arman Tsarukyan’s antics at RAF 08

Arman Tsarukyan competed against UFC veteran Urijah Faber at RAF 08, winning by technical fall 13-1 after controlling the match with repeated takedowns and top pressure. During the contest, Tsarukyan drove Faber off the mat and into the area near the commentary team after an extended grappling exchange. The bout continued under RAF rules, and Tsarukyan maintained dominance throughout.

Arman Tsarukyan and Khamzat Chimaev
Arman Tsarukyan and Khamzat Chimaev (via Instagram)

However, just a day before, Tsarukyan was removed from an American Airlines flight at Los Angeles International Airport while traveling to Philadelphia for RAF 08, after an onboard compliance issue led to his removal before departure. Khamzat Chimaev later commented in a light tone, hilariously linking the Armenian lightweight contender’s intensity in the match to the earlier travel disruption.

Well I watched a little (of Tsarukyan’s performance at RAF 08). But I knew Arman would dominate him. Yeah that (Tsarukyan driving Faber off the mat) probably was because he wanted revenge for what happened on the plane. All that anger built up.

Khamzat Chimaev via Adam Zubayraev

Arman Tsarukyan has been a prominent figure under the RAF banner, competing frequently in its freestyle wrestling events. In 2026 alone, he has already competed four times, building momentum through consistent appearances and high-level matchups. The Armenian star is now also supporting Khamzat Chimaev, who has signed with RAF and is expected to make his debut under the promotion in the future.

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