UFC President Dana White has announced the official backup fighter for the main event of UFC Freedom 250, scheduled for June 14. The event at the White House will feature a lightweight title unification match between the current champion, Ilia Topuria, and the interim champion, Justin Gaethje.
Arman Tsarukyan has been confirmed as the backup fighter for this significant bout. White revealed this during a recent conversation with Nina-Marie Daniele, stating, “Arman is the backup for the White House fight. So if anything happens for that fight, Arman’s in there.”
Tsarukyan had expressed his desire to be the backup for this championship fight, and this is not his first time stepping into such a role. Last year, he was also the backup fighter when Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira competed for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317.
The 29-year-old contender is optimistic about his chances of fighting for the title later this year. His last performance was at UFC Qatar in late 2025, where he secured a second-round submission victory over Dan Hooker and subsequently called out Ilia Topuria. Despite his impressive win, he was not immediately granted a title shot.
In recent months, Tsarukyan has gained significant fan support through his activities outside the UFC and his media appearances. It appears he has regained favor with Dana White.
Should the main event proceed as planned on June 14, Tsarukyan has indicated that the promotion will announce his next fight following the White House event.
English Translation:
Dana White has confirmed the official backup fighter for the main event of UFC Freedom 250. The June 14 event, set to take place at the White House, will headline a lightweight title unification clash between the reigning champion, Ilia Topuria, and the current interim champion, Justin Gaethje.
Top contender Arman Tsarukyan will serve as the official backup for the aforementioned bout. Dana White confirmed this in a recent interview with Nina-Marie Daniele, stating, “Arman is the backup for the White House fight. So if anything happens for that fight, Arman’s in there.”
Tsarukyan had publicly voiced his desire to be the backup for this title fight. This is not the first time the Armenian fighter has been named backup for a lightweight title bout. Last year, when the 155-pound throne was vacant and Ilia Topuria faced Charles Oliveira for it at UFC 317, “Ahalkalakets” served as the backup.
The 29-year-old is confident that he will compete for the title at some point this year. Tsarukyan’s last fight was at UFC Qatar in late 2025, where he submitted Dan Hooker in the second round and then called out Ilia Topuria. However, due to his actions both inside and outside the UFC, he was denied a title shot.
Over the past few months, he has been winning over fans through his ventures outside the UFC and his recent media tour. It now appears that he is back in Dana White’s good graces.
If everything goes according to plan on June 14 and Tsarukyan does not get to step into the octagon, he has stated that the promotion will announce his next fight after the White House card.
