Confirmed! Dana White announces Arman Tsarukyan will be backup for Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje at White House
Arman Tsarukyan has gotten his wish. The controversial lightweight fighter has been everywhere over the past five months except the UFC Octagon. He’s grappled at events from Moscow to Armenia to Brazil and America.
He’s grown his social media following multiple times. And now he’ll be the backup fighter for the Ilia Topuria vs. Justin […]
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 22: Arman Tsarukyan of Georgia poses for a photo with middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev after his victory against Dan Hooker of New Zealand in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at ABHA Arena on November 22, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) Arman Tsarukyan has gotten his wish. The controversial lightweight fighter has been everywhere over the past five months except the UFC Octagon.
He’s grappled at events from Moscow to Armenia to Brazil and America. He’s grown his social media following multiple times. And now he’ll be the backup fighter for the Ilia Topuria vs.
Justin Gaethje lightweight unification title fight at the UFC White House. Tsarukyan had previously spoken about his hope of being on call for the historic event, but it was only last night (Thu. May 7, 2026) that UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Arman’s position.