Arman Tsarukyan makes astounding revelation about Khabib Nurmagomedov's role in his MMA career in the leadup to UFC 311 title fight

Arman Tsarukyan may very well have never been a UFC fighter were it not for Khabib Nurmagomedov. During the Armenian star's formative years, he was approached by his friends, who urged him to watch 'The Eagle's' fights. Tsarukyan obliged and the rest is history.

He developed a fascination with Nurmagomedov, not only watching his fights, but following any content that shed light on the latter's training regimen and preparation. It opened up a world of possibilities for Tsarukyan, who quickly became a hot prospect in the UFC lightweight division.

"I was about 17 years old and I understood I don't wanna be, like, worker. I wanna be in a sport, so I went to the grappling school. In six months I won already Russian competition. Then, one my friend told me, like, 'You gotta watch how Khabib fights.' I watched his fights and I like so much and I started follow his all vlogs in YouTube, how he trains. And then I said, 'I gotta fight.'"

Check out Arman Tsarukyan highlighting Khabib Nurmagomedov as his inspiration (8:18):

Tsarukyan's admiration for the UFC Hall of Famer served him well, and he became one of the most impressive prospects on the regional scene. Eventually, his exploits and talent caught the UFC's eye and he was asked to step in on short-notice against a young Islam Makhachev.

Ahead of his promotional debut, Tsarukyan was on a hot streak of 12 consecutive wins. Initially, the fight proved competitive and among the most difficult in Makhachev's career. However, possibly due to being underprepared, Tsarukyan's gas tank eventually failed him, with Makhachev ultimately taking over.

It was his first defeat in four years at the time, a bitter unanimous decision loss against someone he was certain he could beat. Now, at UFC 311 he will have his chance to exact vengeance and capture the lightweight title while he's at it.

---

Khabib Nurmagomedov is a coach and cornerman of Arman Tsarukyan's rival

Despite his admiration for Khabib Nurmagomedov, Arman Tsarukyan never had the pleasure of working with him. It's probable that he may never get to train with him as Tsarukyan is currently a title threat in the division ruled by Islam Makhachev, who is a close friend of 'The Eagle.'

Now, Nurmagomedov and Makhachev are preparing to turn Tsarukyan's lightweight title challenge away and preserve the Dagestani grip on the 155-pound throne.