A leading lightweight contender is reportedly on standby for the UFC 317 main event, set to step in if necessary.
The main event features Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira competing for the vacant UFC lightweight championship on June 28th.
This decision appears to be a response to the issues encountered at UFC 311 in January, where a last-minute fighter withdrawal caused significant disruption.
At UFC 311, Islam Makhachev ultimately fought Renato Moicano on just 24 hours` notice after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from the planned bout unexpectedly.
Arman Tsarukyan Confirmed as Backup
The backup fighter`s identity was revealed through social media. On Sunday, Russian racecar driver Nikita Mazepin shared a picture of him and Arman Tsarukyan on Instagram.
Responding to a fan`s question on Instagram about his next fight, Tsarukyan, the #1-ranked lightweight contender, hinted at a potential title opportunity within two weeks.
He explicitly stated he would serve as the backup for the UFC 317 main event.
“I’m the backup for UFC 317,” Tsarukyan wrote.
Official confirmation from the UFC or Dana White is expected closer to fight week.
Motivation Behind Stepping Up
Tsarukyan recently won a grappling match against Bellator veteran Patricky `Pitbull` Freire. He secured a submission victory over Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire in a grappling contest held at ADXC in Russia.
The fight ended with Tsarukyan submitting the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt via rear-naked choke in the fifth round.
Following the match, Tsarukyan discussed his intentions to regain momentum, specifically addressing the perception that a previous injury was ‘misinterpreted’ and led to accusations of ‘ducking’ a fight against Islam Makhachev.
Regarding the potential backup role for Topuria vs. Oliveira, he stated: “I’m not sure if that’s needed, but if they offered me it I will definitely back it up.”
He added: “I will be ready. I’m flying back to the US now and will be staying there in case anyone is injured and they ask me if I’m ready. I will say yes.”
Tsarukyan also expressed willingness to step in for potential future bouts, including the trilogy fight between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway scheduled for UFC 318 on July 19th in New Orleans, saying: “Absolutely positive.”
He elaborated on his motivation: “I need to take chances now. I got injured, and the injury was 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.”
