After being forced out of a title fight due to injury, Arman Tsarukyan is prepared to take risks and step in as a backup for upcoming UFC events, ready to seize any opportunity the UFC offers.
After being pulled from his first title fight at the last minute, Arman Tsarukyan is ready to take risks—even on short notice.
Originally, Tsarukyan was set to headline UFC 311 against Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. But during weigh-ins, an injury forced him out, with Renato Moicano stepping in instead.
Now, a new lightweight champ will be crowned at UFC 317 on June 28. Ilia Topuria faces Charles Oliveira, as Makhachev vacated the belt to move up to welterweight.
After a grappling win over Patricky Pitbull at ADXC 10, Tsarukyan was asked if he’d be the backup fighter for the International Fight Week headliner.
“I’m not sure if that’s needed, but if they offer, I’ll back it up,” Tsarukyan told reporters. “I’ll be ready. I’m flying back to the U.S. and staying there in case anyone’s injured. If the UFC asks, I’ll say yes.”
Next month, Dustin Poirier will enter the octagon for the last time against Max Holloway in a trilogy fight, but this time it’s for Holloway’s BMF title.
If anything happens to Poirier or Holloway, Tsarukyan is ready to step in, if that’s what the UFC wants.
“Absolutely positive I’d say yes,” Tsarukyan stated. “I need to take chances now. My injury got misinterpreted, and some people think I ducked that fight.”
“I just need to get back on track, so I’m going to do whatever the UFC tells me to do.”