Arman Tsarukyan (Image Credits: Getty Images)

'Student Of The Game' — MMA Great Explains Why Arman Tsarukyan Could Dominate For Years

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Feb 11, 2026 12:02 PM ET

Even Khabib Nurmagomedov believes that Arman Tsarukyan has the ability to defeat Ilia Topuria in a match. Joining the talk, MMA veteran Demetrious Johnson thinks Tsarukyan not only can defeat Topuria but he can also become a world champion while taking less damage over his career.

Johnson believes the Armenian fighter has all the tools to become a world champion while keeping his career long and healthy. He praised Tsarukyan’s athleticism, which fans have recently seen in how he escaped from Dan Hooker’s guillotine choke. However, praising the 29-year-old, the MMA veteran said:

“If he’s able to train like that with multiple people, he will have a long career while taking less damage. There is a time to start sparring hard, but I feel like he’s the kind of person who could probably go through his career training like that and become a world champion.”

Demetrious Johnson thinks Arman Tsarukyan can become a world champion while taking less damage over his career

“He’s super athletic, super strong, and very good at adapting. He never gets tired, and he’s always a student of the game. I was even more impressed by how good of a… pic.twitter.com/KvjYVVCx6f
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 11, 2026

‘Mighty Mouse’ also said that the 29-year-old knows how to push himself without constantly sparring too hard, which could help him avoid unnecessary damage. Meanwhile, he is out of action after previous mishaps that the UFC didn’t like. Meanwhile, the promotion was even scared to have Tsarukyan headline the first numbered event under the Paramount deal.

Chael Sonnen Calls On Fans and Promotion to Forgive Arman Tsarukyan

Chael Sonnen (Image Credits: Getty Images)

Sonnen has stepped in to defend Tsarukyan despite the criticism surrounding the lightweight contender. Tsarukyan has drawn backlash for several incidents, including a headbutt on Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar that broke Hooker’s nose, punching a fan during his walkout, and later pulling out of a major title fight. Those moments reportedly cost him an interim title opportunity at UFC 324.

Still, Sonnen believes fans should move on. Speaking to The Schmo, he said, “Can we please forgive him? Whatever he did to get himself in this weird purgatory, can we also remember that he agreed to be a backup fighter? He went through the commission and made weight. He was ready to go on in a moment’s notice.”

Chael Sonnen came forward in support of Arman Tsarukyan

"Can we please forgive him? Whatever he did to get himself in this weird purgatory, can we also remember that he agreed to be a backup fighter? He went through the commission and made weight. He was ready to go on in a… pic.twitter.com/PgFHMHsL7Q
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 13, 2026

Sonnen added that he personally forgives Tsarukyan and wants others to do the same. Now Justin Gaethje has won the interim title and is set to face Ilia Topuria for the lightweight championship, but there is no update on Tsarukyan’s next fight. Some fans really want to see him fighting for the belt.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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