Tsarukyan ready to step in for White House main event

Arman Tsarukyan is set to serve as the backup fighter for the lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje on June 14. UFC President Dana White confirmed Tsarukyan's role on Friday evening. The event is scheduled to occur on the White House lawn, adding a unique backdrop to this significant lightweight championship fight.

Tsarukyan's inclusion places him directly in proximity to the title picture, a position he has strived to maintain despite a turbulent recent past. He enters this assignment on a five-fight win streak. His previous bouts include a decision victory over Charles Oliveira and a submission win against Dan Hooker in November. These wins have kept him as the No. 1 contender in the division.

Despite his current standing, Tsarukyan has faced disciplinary issues and withdrawals. He was fined for headbutting Dan Hooker at a weigh-in and previously withdrew from a scheduled bout against Islam Makhachev in January 2025 due to a reported back injury sustained during weight cutting. White had stated that this withdrawal would affect his immediate title shot prospects, necessitating a fight back to the top contender spot.

Ilia Topuria expressed indifference towards the backup fighter, stating he would "break his jaw in the first minute" regardless of whether it was Tsarukyan or Gaethje. Tsarukyan's primary objective now is to remain available and prepared to step into the main event if necessary, ensuring the championship fight proceeds as planned.