Arman Tsarukyan, a prominent figure in the UFC`s lightweight division, recently offered a candid glimpse into the personal dimensions of his professional life. His statement regarding his mother`s absence from his fights – “Mom will stay at home. This is a men’s sport, and women should stay at home. I can’t imagine how my mom could come and watch my fight… It’s hard for her to watch” – sparked discussions not just about traditional views, but about the profound emotional landscape surrounding combat sports.
The Fighter`s Paradox: Protection Amidst Violence
At its core, Tsarukyan`s sentiment reflects a protective instinct, a visceral understanding of the raw, unvarnished violence inherent in mixed martial arts. For a son, to witness a parent`s distress, particularly when that distress stems from watching him endure significant physical harm, is an entirely different burden. The octagon, while a stage for athletic prowess and strategic genius, is also a place where blood is shed, bones might shift, and consciousness can be momentarily surrendered. To expect a mother to cheer on such a spectacle, knowing her child is at the center of it, perhaps asks too much of the human heart.
“Men`s Sport”: A Lens on Tradition and Empathy
The phrase “men`s sport” might raise eyebrows in an era championing inclusivity across all domains. Indeed, the world of MMA boasts formidable female athletes who captivate audiences with their skill and grit. However, Tsarukyan`s context seems less about excluding women from participation or even spectating in general, and more about a deeply personal boundary he has drawn for his own mother. It`s a sentiment rooted in a traditional framework of protection, where the male often takes on the burden of the dangerous endeavor, shielding those he cherishes from its harsh realities. One might even discern a subtle irony here: while the fight itself is a demonstration of physical strength, the decision to spare a mother from watching is arguably an even deeper expression of familial love and vulnerability.
The Unseen Battle: A Mother`s Anxious Vigil
For many fighters, the support system extends far beyond the cage-side seats. A mother`s anxiety might manifest in pacing the living room floor, glued to a live feed, or simply awaiting a phone call with the outcome. This unseen, often silent vigil is as potent a form of support as any roar from the stands. It’s the constant worry, the prayer before the bell, the relief after the final decision. Tsarukyan highlights this by noting, “She just waits for the outcome of the fight when I perform. It’s hard for her to watch.” This isn`t a lack of support; it`s support expressed through an agonizing, empathetic distance.
Beyond the Blood: The True Spectator Experience
Ultimately, Tsarukyan’s remarks peel back a layer of the fighter`s psyche often overlooked. Beneath the bravado and the competitive drive lies a very human concern for those who care most deeply. The decision to keep loved ones, especially mothers, away from the visceral reality of their work isn`t a statement on their fortitude or their right to spectate, but a testament to the immense psychological weight fighters carry – not just for themselves, but for the emotional well-being of their most ardent, and perhaps most vulnerable, supporters. It`s a poignant reminder that even in the most brutal of sports, the ties that bind family remain paramount, often dictating actions far removed from the spotlight.
Benedict Kingsley