Arman Tsarukyan may have been named the official backup for the lightweight title fight between UFC champion Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje next month at UFC’s White House card, but the No. 2-ranked contender doesn’t even intend to weigh in.
It’s safe to say Tsarukyan and UFC officials have not seen eye-to-eye in a fairly long time. Ever since Tsarukyan pulled out of his title fight with Islam Makhachev back at UFC 311 in Jan. 2025 the promotion has found it difficult to trust him in big spots. That’s
probably why Tsarukyan has only fought once over the past two years. The problematic lightweight has stayed busy outside of the Octagon with wrestling matches and a social media takeover tour.
Earlier this month, it appeared things were looking up for Tsarukyan after UFC CEO, Dana White, named him the official backup for Topuria vs. Gaethje. It was a sign of good things to come for Tsarukyan, but it now appears the controversial lightweight fighter doesn’t even plan to weigh in. This would void his chances of serving as a title fight backup (once again letting the promotion down).
Instead, Tsarukyan plans to focus on his scheduled wrestling match with UFC veteran Tony Ferguson at RAF 10 on June 13. Tsarukyan is confident that Topuria and Gaethje will both make it to the fight and he’ll simply wait to fight the winner.
Check it out below and don’t forget Tsarukyan is back in action later tonight (Sat., May 30, 2026) at RAF 09!
“I have wrestling on June 13, we will see,” said Tsarukyan on Thursday when asked about his dual obligations next month. “I’m a back-up, but everything is going good, there’s two weeks left so I think they’re going to fight and I’m going to wait my chance.”
“No, I’m going to do RAF,” responded Tsarukyan when asked if he intends to weigh in for his White House backup role.
