Following his removal from the title shot, Arman Tsarukyan is set to redeem himself by staying on call as a backup fighter for upcoming UFC 317 and 318 event.
Tsarukyan was scheduled to headline the first pay-per-view of 2025, UFC 311, against Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. During the official weigh-ins, it was revealed that an injury forced Tsarukyan out of the bout, and Renato Moicano was stepping in. UFC CEO Dana White was not too happy with this change and announced that the fighter would not be getting a title shot soon.
Nevertheless, Tsarukyan is ready to grab any opportunity that presents itself in the upcoming UFC fights. The lightweight title is currently vacant, and Ilia Topuria is set to face Charles Oliveira for the belt. In light of this, Tsarukyan is ready as a backup fighter should a short-notice moment arise.
During an open workout session, the fighter was asked if he would be the backup fighter for the International Fight Week headliner.
“I am not sure if that’s needed, but if they offer me that, I will definitely back it up,” Tsarukyan told reporters. “I will be ready. I am flying back to the U.S. now and will be staying there in case anyone is injured, and if the UFC asks me if I am ready, I will say yes.”
Another notable bout set to take place is Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight as he faces Max Holloway in a trilogy bout, this time for Holloway’s BMF title.
Tsarukyan disclosed that should something happen to Poirier or Holloway, he will be ready to step in and save the day for that fight as well.
“Absolutely positive [I’d say yes],” Tsarukyan said. “I need to take chances now. I got injured, and this injury got misinterpreted. The doctor didn’t let everybody know what really happened, so some people still think I ducked that fight.
“Now I just need to get back on track, so I’m going to do whatever the UFC tells me to do.”
