Yerevan is set to become a new hub for the world of martial arts, as the main gym of the “Lionheart” fight club will open in the Armenian capital. The announcement was made during Yegor Glumov’s podcast, featuring top fighters Arman Tsarukyan, Eduard Vartanyan, and head coach Armen Gulyan.
“We will gather the best athletes, and training will be free. In five years, everything will change — Armenia will become the center of martial arts not only in the region but also worldwide,” said Armen Gulyan.
The grand opening of the new gym is scheduled for late July or early August 2025. This will be more than just a gym — it will be a full-fledged martial arts academy offering free training. A location has already been selected, and finishing work is currently underway. The new wrestling area alone will be larger than the entire Moscow “Lionheart” facility.
Head MMA coach Armen Gulyan plans to move to Armenia permanently and lead the development of the local MMA scene. Armenian fighters currently training in Moscow are also expected to relocate to Yerevan. The gym will bring together Armenia’s top athletes and expert coaches. Promising fighters will also receive financial support and training grants.
The key concept is that Armenian fighters will no longer need to leave the country for high-quality training. The Yerevan facility will match the standards of top American and Russian gyms. Elite Armenian fighters will train there, serving as role models for the younger generation, who will practice side by side with them.
Following the opening, a large-scale training camp will be held, attracting numerous professionals. This marks the first step toward turning Armenia into a global center of MMA.