Arman Tsarukyan doesn’t appear to be placing much importance on his backup role for the UFC White House main event.
UFC CEO Dana White recently named Tsarukyan the official backup fighter for the lightweight title unification clash between reigning champion Ilia Topuria and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje. The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled to headline UFC Freedom 250, which will take place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 14.
The announcement appeared to be a positive step forward for Tsarukyan, who has found himself in limbo over the past two years. Despite remaining one of the division’s top contenders, “Ahalkalakets” has made just two Octagon appearances during that span while continuing to wait for a long-awaited title shot.
However, the 29-year-old Armenian does not appear intent on fulfilling his backup duties for the UFC White House card.
Arman Tsarukyan Chooses Tony Ferguson Wrestling Match Over UFC White House Backup Duties
Although Tsarukyan has remained largely inactive inside the Octagon, he has kept busy competing under the Real American Freestyle banner.
On Saturday, “Ahalkalakets” secured a dominant technical fall victory over Keelon Jimison at RAF 09, marking his fifth appearance for the promotion since January. He is now set to face former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson at RAF 10 on June 13, just one day before the UFC White House card.
During the RAF 09 pre-fight press conference last week, Tsarukyan made it clear that he has no plans to weigh in for the June 14 event and intends to honor his wrestling commitment instead, believing his services as a backup fighter will not be needed at the White House.
I have wrestling on June 13, we will see, Arman Tsarukyan said. “I’m a backup, but everything is going good, there are two weeks left, so I think they’re [Topuria and Gaethje] going to fight, and I’m going to wait for my chance… I’m going to do RAF.”
Following his victory over Jimison, “Ahalkalakets” was announced for another high-profile wrestling matchup, as he is set to face former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington at RAF 11 on July 18.
Arman Tsarukyan last competed inside the Octagon at UFC Doha in November, where he submitted Dan Hooker in the second round. He is now on a five-fight win streak and owns a 10-2 record in the UFC.
