Arman Tsarukyan officially has a major assignment lined up for the UFC’s historic White House card.
During a recent appearance on Nina Marie Daniele’s stream, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Tsarukyan will serve as the official backup fighter for the lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14.
The event, scheduled to take place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., is expected to be one of the most ambitious productions in UFC history. The card will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and is set to feature a custom-built outdoor arena with thousands of attendees on site, including military personnel and invited guests.
With the main event carrying massive stakes, the UFC appears determined to avoid any last-minute complications by securing one of the division’s top contenders as a replacement option.
Arman Tsarukyan Remains Ready While Waiting For UFC Return
Although Tsarukyan has not competed inside the Octagon since defeating Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in November, the Armenian contender has remained highly active outside traditional MMA competition.
The No. 2-ranked lightweight has recently focused on grappling and wrestling, competing at multiple RAF events while staying in fighting shape. Most recently, he picked up a technical fall victory over former UFC champion Urijah Faber at RAF 08.
Tsarukyan is also scheduled to compete again later this month against influencer wrestler Mugzy at RAF 09 before appearing at another RAF event in June featuring Tony Ferguson.
Despite the outside commitments, Tsarukyan has consistently made it clear that his priority remains the UFC lightweight title picture. He had previously volunteered to serve as a backup for major championship fights, including last year’s UFC 317 main event.