Arman Tsarukyan will serve as the backup fighter for the upcoming UFC 317 lightweight championship bout between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira, UFC president Dana White announced ahead of the event in Las Vegas. This move ensures there is a ready contender should unforeseen circumstances arise in the lead-up to the fight.
Tsarukyan’s Position and Recent Performance in the Lightweight Division
Ranked No. 1 in the lightweight division, Tsarukyan arrives at UFC 317 on the back of a four-fight winning streak. Notably, he defeated Charles Oliveira in their previous encounter at UFC 300 in April 2024, strengthening his claim as a top contender. Dana White confirmed Tsarukyan’s backup status during UFC Baku’s post-fight press conference, stating:
“Arman is the backup. He’s the backup for [ the Topuria vs. Oliveira] fight. So, he will come to Las Vegas, and he has got to make weight. And then we see how that fight plays out, and then we go from there.”
—Dana White, UFC President
Ilia Topuria Addresses Tsarukyan’s Current Title Chances
Ilia Topuria shared his perspective on Tsarukyan’s path back to a title shot, emphasizing he needs to prove himself once again. A few months prior, Tsarukyan had a chance to claim the lightweight title but withdrew from UFC 311 due to a back injury that complicated his weight cut. Discussing Tsarukyan’s situation at a recent media session, Topuria remarked:
“Arman? He also needs to win a fight. He had his opportunity to fight for the title. He pulled out, I don’t know, for what reasons. So he needs to put his name again in the conversation.”
—Ilia Topuria, UFC Lightweight Fighter
Current Lightweight Championship Context and Implications
With Islam Makhachev’s transition to the welterweight division, the lightweight title has been vacated, setting the stage for Topuria and Oliveira to compete for the championship. Makhachev’s move to a higher weight class has altered the division’s landscape significantly. Tsarukyan’s role as backup highlights the UFC’s caution in ensuring the lightweight title fight proceeds smoothly despite uncertainties.
The designation of Tsarukyan as the official backup could prove crucial if any last-minute issues arise with the main event competitors. As the fight approaches, Tsarukyan must make weight and remain prepared, keeping the door open for another title opportunity in what is an increasingly competitive lightweight division.