UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has opened up about his evolving perspective on wealth, influenced by a profound piece of advice from his father: “If you have money, enjoy it.” This wisdom stems from his father’s personal experience, highlighting the importance of appreciating financial success when it aligns with the desire to enjoy life’s pleasures.
Tsarukyan recounted a conversation from about a decade ago when he questioned his father why he bought nice cars for the family but not for himself. His father explained that during the time he desired such luxuries, he lacked the financial means. Later, when he had the money, his desires had shifted, leading him to impart this valuable lesson to his son.
“My father told me maybe 10 years ago, when I asked him, ‘Why do you buy us nice cars but not for yourself?’ He said, ‘When I wanted nice cars, I didn’t have the money. Now I don’t want those cars anymore—you just enjoy them instead of me.’ So I feel the same,” Tsarukyan shared. He further elaborated on this shift in priorities, noting that his own desires have changed as he has aged. “When I was 18-20, I wanted different things. Now I’m almost 30, and I already want different things. By the time I’m 40 or 50, I won’t need these cars anymore. If you have money, enjoy it.”
This perspective is deeply rooted in Tsarukyan’s family history. He has previously spoken about his father’s work in construction in Russia and his own early experiences working alongside him before dedicating himself to combat sports. The family’s journey, which included periods of struggle after moving to Russia, such as living without a house and sleeping in a car before receiving assistance, provides a significant context for this lesson. It underscores that the ability to enjoy the fruits of labor is tied to appreciating the timing and the journey that led to financial stability.
Tsarukyan’s own career in the UFC has seen him rise to prominence as one of the division’s most accomplished lightweights. Since his debut in 2019, he has secured impressive victories against notable opponents, including a Fight of the Night performance against Islam Makhachev in his promotional debut. Despite his high ranking, Tsarukyan’s path to a title shot has faced some complexities, with discussions suggesting he needs to further solidify his position within the competitive lightweight landscape.
Ultimately, Tsarukyan’s reflections on wealth are not about ostentation but about the mindful enjoyment of life’s successes. His philosophy, shaped by his father’s lived experience and his own evolving priorities, emphasizes the importance of appreciating resources and pleasures when they hold personal meaning, balancing ambition with a grounded understanding of life’s changing desires.