Top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan recently took the time to reveal that he’s going to serve the role as a backup fighter for the upcoming UFC lightweight title clash between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria.
MMA Fighting confirmed the news to be official.
It is unlikely for Oliveira or Topuria to pull out from one of the most crucial fights of their career. However, this sport is unpredictable - anything can happen and in case something goes south Arman Tsarukyan will be ready to step in as he’s going to go through rigorous training, weight cuts, and traveling in preparation for the event.
The action-packed UFC 317 is scheduled to take place on 28th June at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
🚨 Arman Tsarukyan says he’s the backup for the #UFC317 main event 👀 pic.twitter.com/McSetrYDRc
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 16, 2025
Expected Outcomes
Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria are highly skilled fighters who have the ability to deliver magnificence. Both fighters are predicting a first-round knockout.
Stylistically, fans and MMA experts know one thing which is both fighters' ability to strike.
What is yet to be seen is Topuria’s wrestling/ground game against an experienced veteran.
The Spanish title challenger was looking forward to submitting a fighter as formidable as Islam Makhachev in “his favorite submission position”.
Oliveira has more experience in the realm of ground game, so if it comes to the ground it would be fair to assume that the brazilian fighter may outplay his opponent.
It will be interesting to see if he can walk his talk one more time in this high-stakes event.
Mandatory Meme
Let's take the time to add some humor:
🚨 Breaking 🚨
— Homelander MMA (@HomelanderMMA) June 25, 2024
Arman Tsarukyan has released his anti-bullying video after the incident of hitting a fan at UFC 300. His suspension is now reduced to 6 months. pic.twitter.com/EjuFQJ6jnE