Arman Tsarukyan says N3on instructed him to throw elbow from corner

Arman Tsarukyan has revealed that internet personality N3on, serving as a corner presence, was the one who called for the elbow strike that landed — and then jokingly suggested a wardrobe change might be in order.

Speaking publicly, the Russian lightweight recounted that he heard N3on's instruction from the corner and acted on it, landing the elbow as directed. Tsarukyan was light-hearted about the moment, crediting N3on as a "great cornerman" before quipping that a hair color change should probably be on the agenda.

Tsarukyan, 29, is one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC's lightweight division, currently ranked second. Fighting out of American Top Team, the orthodox southpaw from Russia carries a professional record of 24-3-0 and has built his reputation on relentless pressure and a well-rounded offensive game. He averages 3.78 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy, and his wrestling is equally threatening at 3.25 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that makes him a constant problem at 155 pounds.

Why it matters

• The clip adds another chapter to the growing crossover between combat sports and internet celebrity culture, with influencer figures increasingly appearing in professional corners
• Tsarukyan's casual delivery of the story reflects a relaxed demeanor outside of competition, even as he sits squarely in the thick of the lightweight title picture
• The moment is unlikely to carry any regulatory consequences, but it does raise informal questions about the line between celebrity corner appearances and meaningful coaching roles