Arman Tsarukyan reveals major news weeks ahead of the title fight for the vacant UFC lightweight bellt at UFC 317!
The UFC lightweight division is one where an injury or unexpected event can completely change someone’s career trajectory. Right now, all eyes are on UFC 317, where Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will battle for the vacant lightweight championship. But there’s another fighter quietly preparing in the shadows, ready to step in if needed.
Arman Tsarukyan recently revealed that he has been named as the backup fighter for the UFC 317 main event. There is no official confirmation as of yet, but several sources have backed this claim. This means he will be training and cutting weight alongside the main event fighters, ready to step in if either Topuria or Oliveira can’t compete. It’s not the most glamorous role, but it puts him in an incredibly strategic position. The Armenian-born fighter has been riding a four-fight winning streak in the lightweight division, making him a logical choice for this crucial backup role.
Earlier this year at UFC 311, he was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title in what would have been the biggest fight of his career. Unfortunately, a back injury forced him to withdraw just days before the event. The timing couldn’t have been worse. Renato Moicano stepped in to replace him, but that opportunity might not come around again anytime soon. UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear that Tsarukyan needs to go back to the drawing board.
The backup role at UFC 317 gives Tsarukyan multiple paths to success. If either main event fighter pulls out, he instantly becomes part of a championship fight. Even if everything goes smoothly and he never enters the octagon, being the official backup keeps him in the conversation for the next title shot. It’s smart positioning in a division where politics and timing matter as much as fighting ability.
What makes this situation even more interesting is Tsarukyan’s history with both potential opponents. He already has a victory over Charles Oliveira from UFC 300, which was a significant win that helped establish his credentials as a top contender. A potential matchup with Ilia Topuria would also generate serious buzz. He is arguably the biggest threat that Topuria can face in the lightweight division after Islam Makhachev climbed up.
The event takes place on June 28, and Tsarukyan will be preparing as if he’s actually fighting. That level of preparation will keep him sharp and ready for whatever comes next. Whether he fights at UFC 317 or not, Tsarukyan has positioned himself perfectly for the future. He will be in the conversation for whoever wins that vacant lightweught belt.
(Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images)
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