The UFC lightweight contender took a brief pause from his usual antics in the combat sports world to accept a unique honour.
Arman Tsarukyan has become one of the top stars on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage in recent months, despite being passed over for a title shot.
Although he’s been away from the UFC Octagon, Tsarukyan has kept himself busy with wrestling and submission grappling matches, where he hasn’t shied away from stirring up controversy.
That didn’t stop him from receiving recognition at a recent Los Angeles City Council event, though.
Tsarukyan picks up ‘Person of the Year’ award at LA Armenian genocide remembrance event
Tsarukyan’s last outing came in Real American Freestyle, where he beat Urijah Faber to move to 3-0 in the young promotion.
But his win over Faber wasn’t without controversy. Before even arriving in Philadelphia for the fight, he was removed from an American Airlines flight. Then, during the match, he tossed his opponent off the stage and onto the concrete.
Despite his reputation for stirring things up, Tsarukyan was notably subdued when he received an award during Los Angeles’ Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day at City Hall on April 24.
The UFC lightweight was handed a certificate of excellence by councilmember Adrin Nazarian, who serves a large Armenian community in Los Angeles.
“It is incredibly pleasant to receive the ‘Person of the Year’ award in Los Angeles, a city that holds a special place in my life,” Tsarukyan said of the honour (h/t Smesh Talk).
“For me, this is not just an award, but a sign of recognition of my path, efforts, and faith in what I do. Los Angeles has become for me a source of inspiration, a place where dreams come true and new goals are born.
“That is why this award feels especially significant and touching here,” he added.
The lightweight title hopeful hasn’t got anything lined up yet, but expects to be back soon. He spoke with the UFC in March and says he now has an idea when that return will happen.
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