Tsarukyan Eyes Topuria or Gaethje After Latest Win

Arman Tsarukyan recently secured his fifth consecutive victory at RAF 9, maintaining his undefeated record with the promotion across five appearances. He is currently positioned as a backup fighter for the highly anticipated UFC lightweight title fight, scheduled to take place on June 14. Tsarukyan expressed his anticipation for his own next fight, projecting a return to competition in either September, October, or later in the year.

The specific timing and opponent for Tsarukyan's next bout hinge on the result of the championship match. He indicated a preference for facing Ilia Topuria, viewing it as a significant challenge and a high-profile matchup. However, Tsarukyan also acknowledged the potential for Topuria to move up to the welterweight division to pursue a third title, which would alter his own immediate fight plans. He suggested that a bout against Topuria would likely occur towards the end of the year, whereas a fight against Justin Gaethje might happen sooner in September or October.