Arman Tsarukyan knows he’ll need to take some risks to get back into title contention.
Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) was originally scheduled to face Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title at UFC 311 in January. However, an injury forced the Armenian to withdraw at the last minute. Renato Moicano stepped in as a replacement and was ultimately submitted by the champion in the first round.
With Makhachev now moving up to welterweight, the vacant lightweight belt will be up for grabs when Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira square off in the main event at UFC 317 on June 28.
Speaking to reporters after his grappling win over Patricky Pitbull at ADXC 10 on Saturday, Tsarukyan said he would welcome the chance to serve as the backup fighter for that bout.
“I am not sure if that’s needed, but if they offer me that, I will definitely back it up,” Tsarukyan said. “I will be ready. I am flying back to the U.S. now and will be staying there in case anyone is injured and (if) the UFC asks me if I am ready, I will say yes.”
Another high-stakes matchup in the lightweight division is set for UFC 317 on July 19, where Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway will battle for the BMF title. Should either fighter be forced to withdraw, Arman Tsarukyan says he’ll be ready to step in and seize the opportunity.
“Absolutely positive (I’d say yes),” Tsarukyan responded when asked if he would agree to being the backup fighter for the BMF title fight. “I need to take chances now. I got injured and this injury got misinterpreted. The doctor didn’t let everybody know what really happened, so some people still think I ducked that fight.
“Now I just need to get back on track, so I’m going to do whatever the UFC tells me to do.”
