UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has built a reputation as one of the most disciplined stars in mixed martial arts, and his standards extend beyond the octagon into his personal life.
In a candid interview, the 29-year-old Armenian revealed that smoking is an absolute dealbreaker when it comes to romantic relationships.
“I can’t stand the smell of cigarettes next to me,” Tsarukyan stated bluntly. “Girls who smoke are a [red] flag.” His aversion to smoking isn’t just a preference—it’s rooted in his strict lifestyle choices that have defined his career. The fighter maintains an extraordinarily clean living regimen, abstaining from both smoking and drinking alcohol almost entirely.
When it comes to vices, Tsarukyan admits to minimal indulgence. “I don’t smoke or drink. There is no alcohol at all,” he explained.
The only exception he makes is incredibly rare: a single glass of homemade wine with his parents during visits to Georgia or Armenia. “Well, and then only if my father is sitting next to me,” he added, emphasizing how exceptional such occasions are.
His distaste for tobacco products extends to all forms. While Tsarukyan admits he’s smoked hookah once in his life and appreciates the aesthetic of cigars, he cannot tolerate the smell of cigarette smoke. “First of all, the clothes smell really bad and, well, I don’t like the smell,” he said, making it clear this isn’t just about health concerns but also personal comfort.
This rigid stance on smoking reflects Tsarukyan’s philosophy on discipline and self-control. The fighter trains up to 12 sessions per week, sometimes fitting three workouts into a single day. He sleeps approximately 11 hours total—eight at night and two to three during the day—structuring his entire life around peak athletic performance.
Tsarukyan’s commitment to clean living has served him well in his UFC career, where he’s established himself as a top lightweight contender.
For Tsarukyan, the standards he sets for himself naturally extend to those he surrounds himself with, particularly potential romantic partners.
