Arman Tsarukyan is still awaiting his next assignment inside the octagon, but he’s got an important job awaiting him at UFC 317.
The lightweight contender, who has racked up four wins in a row in the division, is set to serve as the backup to the main event when Ilia Topuria takes on Charles Oliveira to crown a new champion at 155 pounds.
Tsarukyan initially acknowledged his backup role on a social media post, with additional sources confirming the news to MMA Fighting on Monday.
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While not always standard practice, the UFC often employs backup fighters as a potential alternative just in case disaster strikes a major upcoming event. Tsarukyan suffered through that himself back in January when he was just days away from fighting Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title, but a back injury forced him off the card at the last minute.
No backup was in place, but Renato Moicano ultimately accepted the opportunity in Tsarukyan’s place after the Brazilian was originally scheduled to face Beneil Dariush on the same card.
Since that injury prevented him from fighting for the title, Tsarukyan has been stuck in no man’s land, waiting on a new fight, with UFC CEO Dana White previously stating that he would need to get another win before getting another shot at the champion.
But with the backup role secured for UFC 317, Tsarukyan has put himself in a great position to challenge the winner down the road, potentially.
Of course, Tsarukyan already has a victory over Oliveira from UFC 300, and a showdown with Topuria would certainly earn a lot of attention, especially with both fighters having roots in Georgia.
For now, Tsarukyan will continue getting ready just in case his name gets called upon with his backup role set for UFC 317 on June 28.
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