Arman Tsarukyan Changes UFC Nickname to ‘Batman’ Ahead of Los Angeles Return

Arman Tsarukyan will enter the Octagon under a new nickname when the Armenian lightweight returns to UFC competition at UFC 331 in September.

Tsarukyan, who previously fought under the nickname “Ahalkalakets,” said he has officially switched to “Batman,” a name that has gained popularity among his fans in recent months.

The 29-year-old confirmed the change during an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show.”

“No, I’ve changed my nickname,” Tsarukyan said.

“Ahalkalakets” is a reference to Akhalkalaki, the town in Georgia where Tsarukyan was born. The Armenian-populated region has remained part of his identity throughout his UFC career.

“It’s a place I was born. The fans keep calling me ‘Batman’ so, I’m just gonna go by Batman,” Tsarukyan said.

The new nickname will make its UFC debut when Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy in a five-round co-main event at UFC 331 in Los Angeles. Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to meet Charles Oliveira in a rematch of their UFC 300 fight before Ruffy stepped in as his new opponent.

The bout will be Tsarukyan’s first UFC appearance since his victory over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last November.

Tsarukyan has stayed active during his absence from the Octagon. He has competed 12 times outside the UFC, with many of those appearances coming in Real American Freestyle wrestling, while also building a larger following through social media.

His return could also have major implications for the UFC lightweight title picture. Tsarukyan has said he was promised a championship opportunity if he defeats Ruffy. He has also said the UFC discussed possible scenarios for a vacant title fight should champion Justin Gaethje retire.

For now, Tsarukyan’s immediate task is Ruffy — and when his name is announced inside the Octagon in Los Angeles, “Batman” will replace the nickname that followed him through much of his UFC career.

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