Arman Tsarukyan has indicated he is not prioritizing his role as the backup fighter for the UFC White House main event.
UFC CEO Dana White had designated Tsarukyan as the official reserve fighter for the lightweight title unification bout between champion Ilia Topuria and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje. This highly anticipated fight is slated to headline UFC Freedom 250, taking place at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 14th.
This announcement seemed like a significant step for Tsarukyan, who has experienced a period of inactivity over the past two years. Despite consistently being a top contender in the division, “Ahalkalakets” has only had two fights in this timeframe while awaiting a title shot.
However, the 29-year-old Armenian fighter does not appear inclined to fulfill his duties as a backup for the White House event.
Arman Tsarukyan Prioritizes Wrestling Match Over UFC White House Backup Duties
While Tsarukyan has been largely inactive in the UFC Octagon, he has actively participated in Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling events.
On Saturday, “Ahalkalakets” achieved a decisive technical fall victory over Keelon Jimison at RAF 09, marking his fifth appearance for the promotion since January. He is now scheduled to compete against former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson at RAF 10 on June 13th, just one day before the UFC White House card.
During the press conference for RAF 09 last week, Tsarukyan clearly stated his intention not to weigh in for the June 14th UFC event, choosing instead to honor his wrestling commitment. He believes his services as a backup fighter will not be required at the White House.
“I have wrestling on June 13, we will see,” Arman Tsarukyan stated. “I’m a backup, but everything is going well, 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 win against Jimison, “Ahalkalakets” was announced for another prominent wrestling match, set to face former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington at RAF 11 on July 18th.
Arman Tsarukyan’s last UFC appearance was in November at UFC Doha, where he submitted Dan Hooker in the second round. He is currently on a five-fight winning streak and holds a 10-2 record in the UFC.