Arman Tsarukyan is on standby for one of the biggest events in UFC history.
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed at a promotional press conference that Tsarukyan will be on standby for the UFC Freedom 250 main event. The card is scheduled to take place at the White House.
The lightweight title fight is set to feature champion Ilia Topuria against Justin Gaethje.
Tsarukyan enters the role after extending his winning streak to five fights with a dominant victory over Dan Hooker last November. The 29-year-old has stayed active outside the Octagon in recent months including several notorious outings in RAF.
His only UFC defeats have come against former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and top contender Mateusz Gamrot.
Topuria unfazed by backup announcement
Neither champion nor challenger appeared overly concerned by the news that Tsarukyan could potentially step into the title fight.
Topuria made it learn he is focused only on fight night
“I don’t care who I’m going to have in front… June 14, I’m going to break his jaw in the first minute, whether it’s Arman or Justin.”
The undefeated champion has quickly become one of the UFC’s biggest stars after capturing titles in two weight classes. A possible matchup with Tsarukyan has been discussed for months due to the Armenian contender’s strong run at lightweight.
Massive stage for UFC Freedom 250
The June 14 event is already generating major attention because of its planned location at the White House. UFC Freedom 250 is expected to be one of the most high-profile cards the promotion has ever staged.
Adding Tsarukyan as the official backup gives the UFC insurance in case either Topuria or Gaethje is unable to compete during fight week. This could give him the biggest opportunity of his career.