Armenian lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has set out the terms of his involvement as the official backup for the Unity of the Lightweight Championship between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. Named by UFC CEO Dana White, Tsarukyan explained that he will only step onto the scale or make weight if called to replace either champion on fight week.
Clarifying the backup role
After Dana White confirmed his status as the event’s standby fighter, Tsarukyan told Ariel Helwani on Monday that he has not been instructed to weigh in alongside Topuria and Gaethje. “The situation is, I’m a backup for this fight,” he said. “If something happens, I’m going to fly there and make the weight, and weigh in, and fight. They didn’t [tell] me that I got to make weight.”
Backup fighters typically step on the scales to ensure they meet the championship limit in case a main event collapse occurs at the last minute. Tsarukyan’s stance deviates from that practice, as he awaits a formal notification before beginning a weight cut.
Weight and timing considerations
Tsarukyan emphasised that a genuine opportunity to fight would require at least one week’s notice to reach the 155lb lightweight limit. He conceded that making championship weight on two days’ notice would be “impossible” but suggested that a last-minute replacement bout could proceed as a non-title affair if necessary. “Maybe it’s not going to be a title fight, you know? Maybe like one week before, yeah, [making weight] is possible,” he added.
By setting a minimum notice period, Tsarukyan aims to balance his readiness with his health and performance standards, ensuring he can compete effectively should Topuria or Gaethje withdraw.
Impact on RAF 10 commitment
Tsarukyan is slated to wrestle UFC veteran Tony Ferguson at RIZIN American Federation (RAF) 10 on June 13, the day before UFC Freedom 250. He confirmed he is prepared to withdraw from that match if required to step in for the lightweight unification bout. “Yeah, they’re going to understand this is a title fight,” he said of the RAF promotion. “If I become a UFC champion, my name is going to be bigger, and we’re just going to do like other events. They’re going to understand that.”
This flexibility highlights Tsarukyan’s willingness to prioritise a chance at a UFC crown over his wrestling outing, while maintaining good relations with the RAF.
As UFC Freedom 250 approaches, Tsarukyan remains on standby, ready to stage-manage his preparations around both weight-making challenges and his RAF 10 appearance until the champions prove able to compete.
FAQ
What role did Dana White assign to Arman Tsarukyan?
Dana White named Arman Tsarukyan as the official backup fighter for the lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.
Will Tsarukyan weigh in at UFC Freedom 250?
Tsarukyan has stated he will not step on the scales or undertake a weight cut for UFC Freedom 250 unless he is notified that he must replace one of the main event fighters.
What is Tsarukyan’s scheduled RAF 10 commitment?
He is due to face Tony Ferguson in a wrestling match on June 13 at RAF 10 but has confirmed he will withdraw if asked to fight at UFC Freedom 250.
How much notice does Tsarukyan require to make weight?
He has indicated that he needs at least one week’s notice to safely reach the 155lb lightweight limit for a potential replacement bout.
