With the much-anticipated UFC 320 now over, the MMA world can shift its focus to the string of Fight Nights and other events in the days ahead. There’s a Tom Aspinall – Ciryl Gane headliner later this month. Then, halfway through November, Islam Makhachev will attempt to wrest the welterweight title from Jack Della Maddalena. However, as the year draws to a close, it’s the outcome of the calendar’s penultimate event that many fans are looking forward to. On November 22, UFC Fight Night will feature top contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker.

Arman Tsarukyan defeated former champion Charles Oliveira in a title eliminator earlier in April. With Dan Hooker in his sights, he is just one fight away from realizing his dream of becoming a champion. However, the New Zealander presents a daunting challenge. Tsarukyan is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations. Yet, at times like these, one often needs something more – perhaps divine intervention or something closer to home: the love and blessings of family.

Arman Tsarukyan: blood, sweat, and family

A proud Arman Tsarukyan recently shared a picture on Instagram featuring himself standing beside his great-grandfather, who is – hold your breath – 101 years old! “My great-grandfather 101 years old 💪,” the UFC fighter said. And it didn’t take much time for comments and reactions to start pouring in.

Those who know, Tsarukyan is quite close to his family. Of Armenian descent, he was born in a small town in Georgia, where his father ran a successful construction business. The UFC star is the middle of three children.

Though he frequently switches training camps, Tsarukyan is often found at American Top Team in Florida, in addition to attending sessions at Sam Calavitta’s Training Lab in California. Considering that he spends long stretches away from his family, it’s understandable that he misses them deeply.

Let’s take a look at what some fans said after seeing the post.

Wave of support surges for Arman Tsarukyan

One fan seemed lost for words: “Oh my, you’re a lucky man; you’re still young and have grandparents 😍.” Having one’s grandparents around is a blessing. But having someone from an even earlier generation is living history, full of lessons to learn and cherish.

Another echoed similar sentiments: “You are a lucky man 💪😍🇦🇲.” While we learn through our own experiences, the wisdom gained by older generations often proves invaluable. They share stories of triumphs, trials, and tribulations. And in that context, Arman Tsarukyan only needs to sit with his great-grandfather to hear countless stories.

The admiration continued: “Guy is almost 30 and still has a living GREAT grandparent. Wow.” Tsarukyan will actually celebrate his 29th birthday this Saturday, October 11. Still, he can proudly look across four generations of family members, a true blessing.

One user could relate to Tsarukyan’s emotions, saying, “Amazing, brother. My grandma is 110 years old. May Allah keep them longer with us.” Having centenarian grandparents or great-grandparents is truly a gift.

However, a few fans took the opportunity to focus on the tangible: “Come on, Arman, hurry up and win the World Champion’s belt so your grandpa can see it too. 🫂❤️💥🇦🇲” If he defeats Dan Hooker at the November 22 Fight Night, Tsarukyan will move one step closer to the elusive lightweight belt.

Arman Tsarukyan has a big task ahead. If he dedicates himself fully to his preparation, and with the blessings of his family, he’ll remain motivated and determined.

The greatest support a fighter can have comes from family, relatives, and friends. Tsarukyan hails from a close-knit family where generations of tradition inspire and encourage him to go further in pursuit of his dream.

Do you think Dan Hooker is capable of ending Arman Tsarukyan’s winning streak?