Arman Tsarukyan says he is willing to serve as the backup fighter for the planned Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje matchup on UFC’s expected White House event card, but only under one condition: he will not cut weight unless he gets enough notice. The lightweight contender made clear he is open to stepping in if the promotion calls weeks in advance, not at the last second on fight week.
That stance matters because backup fighters are often asked to stay close to championship weight, and Tsarukyan is drawing a firm line while waiting for his own title opportunity. In a division as crowded as UFC lightweight, that is a notable gamble. A win by Topuria would further shake up the title picture by bringing another former featherweight champion into the 155-pound mix, while a Gaethje victory would instantly re-establish one of the division’s most bankable action fighters as a central figure.
Tsarukyan said he badly misses competing and wants to fight as soon as possible, but added that his priority remains a championship bout. According to him, the title fight is scheduled for June, and he expects his own shot at the belt to come by late summer or early fall. He said he will prepare as the standby option for the fight, but only if the UFC gives him enough time — roughly a month or at least three weeks — to be ready.
From an American MMA media perspective, Tsarukyan’s position is easy to understand. Fighters have become increasingly vocal about the physical toll of dangerous weight cuts, especially for non-guaranteed opportunities. Tsarukyan also has something to protect competitively: he has won nine of his last 10 fights, and many observers already view him as one of the most deserving contenders at 155 pounds.
UFC CEO Dana White previously said Tsarukyan would back up the Topuria-Gaethje fight. Now the key detail is on the table: if the call comes early, Tsarukyan is in. If not, the UFC may need another insurance policy for one of its biggest planned main events of the year.