Arman Tsarukyan is once again making his case for a lightweight title opportunity, this time setting his sights on a potential showdown with reigning champion Ilia Topuria.
The No. 1-ranked UFC lightweight contender (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) has been left without a clear path to the belt after Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett to claim the interim 155-pound title at UFC 324 in January. Gaethje is now scheduled to challenge Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) in the main event of UFC Freedom Fights 250, set for June 14 at the White House.
Despite being the top contender, Tsarukyan’s recent history with the promotion has complicated his standing. He was forced out of a scheduled title fight against then-champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025 due to a back injury. Later that year, during his return bout against Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, Tsarukyan drew further scrutiny after throwing a headbutt at the ceremonial weigh-ins, raising concerns about his reliability in high-profile matchups.
Still, Tsarukyan has remained active outside the Octagon, competing in grappling and wrestling events. Most recently, he secured a win over Georgio Poullas at RAF 07 last Saturday.
Now, Tsarukyan is positioning himself as a potential backup fighter for the upcoming Topuria vs. Gaethje title fight, and possibly more.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show on Monday, Tsarukyan pitched the idea of a blockbuster clash with Topuria.
“Can you imagine me versus Ilia on the White House?” Tsarukyan said. “Everybody's going to talk about that fight. Great fight. Because we are both young and in our prime. And 50% are going to think I'm going to win, 50% are going to think Ilia is going to win, and it's going to be like a massive fight.”
With uncertainty still surrounding the division’s immediate future, Tsarukyan is clearly intent on staying in the conversation, and ready to step in if the opportunity arises.
