Arman Tsarukyan Not Invited to UFC White House Event, Explains Status as Backup Fighter
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Arman Tsarukyan Not Invited to UFC White House Event, Explains Status as Backup Fighter. [Images via UFC]
Arman Tsarukyan has confirmed that he will serve as the official backup fighter for the UFC White House main event, which features a title unification clash between reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and current and two-time interim 155-pound titleholder Justin Gaethje.
However, “Ahalkalakets” says he will only cut weight and be at the ceremonial weigh-ins if he receives a week’s notice that he’s needed as a replacement.
As of now, neither Topuria nor Gaethje has suffered any injuries. Both appear to be in excellent shape with less than two weeks remaining until UFC Freedom 250.
Arman Tsarukyan clarifies his role as backup for UFC White House main event
During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Arman Tsarukyan made it clear that he will only make weight if he’s informed a week earlier that his services are needed and he has to fight officially. If not, Tsarukyan will compete in a freestyle wrestling match against Tony Ferguson at RAF 10 on June 13 as planned and won’t attend the UFC White House ceremonial weigh-ins.
However, if something unfortunate happens to the White House main event fighters and Tsarukyan needs to step in on short notice, he has said he needs to be informed a week earlier, so that he can make weight.
If the UFC is forced to alter its plans due to an injury during White House fight week or at the eleventh hour, Tsarukyan has said he would still be willing to step in and compete. However, with such short notice, he would be unable to make the lightweight limit [155 pounds], meaning the bout would likely have to be contested at a catchweight and would no longer be a title bout.
“Ahalkalakets” also confessed that he has not been invited to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event.
He told Helwani that he’s ready and has even trained in case he’s needed on June 14, but not knowing who he will face makes training camps incomplete and ineffective.
Nevertheless, the 29-year-old has confirmed that he’s going to put his RAF duties aside if the UFC needs him for the White House event.
Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below:
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