The UFC has officially locked in its contingency plan for one of the biggest fights of the year. UFC president Dana White confirmed that Arman Tsarukyan will serve as the official reserve fighter for the lightweight title showdown between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.
The massive event is scheduled for June 14 at the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., where reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria will face interim titleholder Justin Gaethje in a championship unification contest. With global attention expected to surround the historic card, the UFC has chosen one of the division’s elite contenders to remain on standby.
White revealed the decision during an interview with Nina Drama ahead of UFC 328. According to the UFC boss, Tsarukyan will complete a full training camp and weigh in at the championship limit of 155 pounds in case either fighter is unable to compete.
The Armenian born contender currently sits as the No. 2 ranked lightweight in the UFC and is also ranked No. 13 in the pound for pound standings. His inclusion as the emergency replacement adds credibility and security to one of the promotion’s highest profile events in recent years.
Tsarukyan has steadily built his reputation as one of the most dangerous athletes in the division since joining the UFC in 2019. His debut came against Islam Makhachev, where he lost a competitive decision but immediately gained respect for his performance. Since then, the 29 year old has developed into a complete mixed martial artist with elite wrestling, strong striking, and impressive finishing ability.
Inside the Octagon, Tsarukyan owns a 10 and 2 UFC record. His only defeats came against Makhachev and Mateusz Gamrot, both in closely contested bouts. Over the years, he has secured important victories against respected names including Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Dan Hooker, and Joel Alvarez.
Last year, Tsarukyan was expected to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight crown at UFC 311 before a back injury forced him out of the contest at the final moment. Renato Moicano eventually stepped in as a replacement. He was later assigned backup duties for the UFC 317 title fight between Topuria and Oliveira, though his services were not needed.
Most recently, Tsarukyan returned to action with a dominant victory over Hooker while also staying active in wrestling competition. Now, he stands one phone call away from potentially fighting for UFC gold on one of the sport’s most historic stages.
