Arman Tsarukyan says he was in line for a high-profile matchup at the UFC’s upcoming “Freedom 250” event at the White House before plans ultimately shifted.
Speaking during an appearance on the PBD Podcast, Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) revealed that he was initially offered a fight against Michael Chandler (23-10 MMA, 2-5 UFC) for the June 14 card. However, UFC matchmakers later pivoted, instead booking Mauricio Ruffy (13-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) to face Chandler.
“Yes. They called me for the Chandler (fight),” Tsarukyan said.
When asked about the eventual Chandler vs. Ruffy booking, he added: “They wanted me put against Chandler. And then they understood it's bad for Chandler and he represents US. It's like 99.9 (percent chance) that I'm beating him. And then they put Ruffy. So if someone gets hurt in Ruffy or Chandler, they might call me too.”
The comments come amid a frustrating stretch for Tsarukyan, who many observers view as one of the top contenders in the UFC lightweight division but who has struggled to secure another title opportunity. The Armenian standout was originally slated to challenge former champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025 but withdrew at the last minute due to injury.
Since then, Tsarukyan has fought just once in the Octagon, earning a submission victory over Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar last October. Despite limited UFC appearances, he has remained highly active in the grappling scene, competing in ten events across multiple professional organizations in recent months.
Meanwhile, the lightweight title picture has continued to evolve under current champion Ilia Topuria, with Tsarukyan still widely regarded as a dangerous and unresolved contender in the division.
While no official bout has been announced for him, Tsarukyan indicated he could still be called upon as a replacement for the White House card if circumstances change. For now, however, he remains on the outside looking in at one of the UFC’s most significant upcoming events.
