Arman Tsarukyan OPENS UP: UFC Title Snub, Dana White Beef & Fighting for Armenia | PBD #786

PBD Podcast2h 2mApril 28, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

Arman Tsarukyan delivers a candid and high-energy interview on the PBD Podcast, reflecting on his remarkable journey from a young hockey player in Russia to a top UFC contender and social media powerhouse. He traces his transformation to a single inspirational walkout by a Dagestani fighter and a life-changing year of training in Thailand, which reshaped his career. Despite being ranked #1 in the 155-pound division, Tsarukyan expresses frustration over being snubbed for title shots, even stating he’s willing to fight for free to earn his moment. He credits his success to authenticity, humor, and a unique content strategy that has earned him $3-4 million monthly in sponsorships. Tsarukyan also delves into his dual identity as an Armenian fighting for Russia, emphasizing his deep pride in both cultures and his dream of becoming the first Armenian UFC champion. He critiques UFC matchmaking, particularly Dana White’s decisions, and believes drama fuels the sport’s popularity. Beyond fighting, he’s investing heavily in real estate in Russia for faster returns and stronger family ties, while planning to retire at 37-38 to focus on family and legacy. The conversation also touches on cultural pride, including his love for Gormes Sabzi stew, and a humorous cautionary tale about losing a $40,000 boxing bet to a streamer with real combat experience. The episode closes with heartfelt reflections on legacy, authenticity, and a shared vision of celebrating a future title win in Armenia.

Key Takeaways
1

Tsarukyan’s rise from hockey to UFC was fueled by a single inspirational walkout and a transformative year of training in Thailand.

2

Despite being ranked #1, he feels snubbed for title shots and is willing to fight for free to prove himself, highlighting frustration with UFC matchmaking.

3

His content strategy blends authenticity, humor, and lifestyle, generating $3-4 million monthly in sponsorships and making him a top-earning combat sports creator.

4

He is deeply proud of his Armenian heritage and dreams of becoming the first Armenian UFC champion, planning to celebrate a title win in Armenia.

5

He invests in real estate in Russia for faster returns and stronger family networks, contrasting it with the U.S.’s greater economic mobility and opportunities.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
30 min

From Hockey to MMA: The Unconventional Path to UFC

I watched once when I was like 17 and I say I want to do this in my life. Just because of the walkout?

Highlight
30:00
30 min

The Rise of a Content King: Social Media as a Weapon

I decided to do something more with my social media. But last half... Last six months, we just crushed it and like non-stop working.

Highlight
1:00:00
30 min

The UFC Snub: Why He Feels Undervalued

Why I beat number nine? Why I beat number eight? Why you give this guy like a present to fight with number one contender and he's nobody?

Highlight
1:30:00
10 min

The Armenian Dream: Becoming UFC’s First Armenian Champion

Tsarukyan shares his deep pride in being Armenian and his mission to become the first Armenian UFC champion. He discusses his identity, his family’s roots in Georgia, and his dream of bringing the belt back to Armenia. He also reflects on the lack of recognition from Armenian leadership despite his global success.

1:37:21
3 min

Investing in Russia: Speed, Trust, and Family Advantage

Half the battle is the average person that gets into an industry, it takes three, five years, you know, seven years of making mistakes and then you make money. But if you can get into a space that you already have the context, the relationship and somebody can teach you to not make the mistakes, there's nobody better than a dad to share that with you.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
This is hands down the greatest meal in the world. You will age backwards if you eat it from the right person. It's that good.
Arman Tsarukyan121:38
Viral: 90.0
If I have a last meal, they come to me. They said, what do you want your last meal to be? It's this guy right here. Yeah, I've tried this. And if the people know how to make it... With the rice. With the rice, yeah, and maybe a little bit of somach. So now you gave me an idea of what I'm going to do next for my food in the...
Arman Tsarukyan121:01
Viral: 90.0
Why I beat number nine? Why I beat number eight? Why you give this guy like a present to fight with number one contender and he's nobody?
Arman Tsarukyan47:55
Viral: 90.0
Speakers

Hosts

Host NameRobPBD Podcast Host

Guest

Arman Tsarukyan
Topics Discussed
Armenian Heritage and Identity95%MMA Career Journey95%Cultural Identity and Heritage90%Social Media Influence90%UFC Championship Aspirations90%UFC Matchmaking and Politics85%Real Estate Investment85%Combat Sports and Public Perception75%Podcast Growth and Audience Engagement75%
People & Brands

Arman Tsarukyan

person

138xPositive

Russia

place

50xPositive

Dana White

person

31xMixed

Ilya Teporia

person

15xNeutral

Conor McGregor

person

12xPositive

Gormes Sabzi

other

10xPositive

Khabib Nurmagomedov

person

10xPositive

United States

place

8xPositive

Putin

person

8xPositive

Hamzat Chemaev

person

8xPositive

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