Dana White has officially revealed the backup fighter for the main event of UFC Freedom 250, scheduled for June 14. The headliner will be a lightweight title unification bout between the current champion Ilia Topuria and the interim champion, Justin Gaethje.
Top contender Arman Tsarukyan has been designated as the official backup for this significant matchup. White confirmed this during 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 previously expressed his strong desire to be the backup fighter for this title bout. This isn’t the first time he has been in this position for a lightweight championship fight. Last year, when the lightweight division’s throne was vacant and Ilia Topuria faced Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, Tsarukyan also served as the backup.
The 29-year-old Armenian fighter is optimistic about receiving a title shot sometime this year. His last appearance was at UFC Qatar in late 2025, where he secured a second-round submission victory over Dan Hooker and subsequently called out Ilia Topuria. However, at that time, he was not granted a title shot, reportedly due to his conduct both inside and outside the octagon.
In recent months, Tsarukyan has been gaining significant fan support through his activities outside the UFC and his recent media engagements. It now appears he has regained favor with Dana White.
Should the main event proceed as planned on June 14 and Tsarukyan not be called upon to compete, he has indicated that the promotion will announce his next fight shortly after the White House event.
Arman Tsarukyan Confirmed as Backup for UFC Freedom 250 Lightweight Title Bout
Dana White has officially announced the fighter who will serve as backup for the UFC Freedom 250 main event. The June 14 card, set to take place at the White House, will feature a lightweight title unification clash between reigning champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje.
Arman Tsarukyan has been named the official backup fighter for this bout. White confirmed this in 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 publicly voiced his wish to be the backup for this championship fight, and it’s a role he has filled before. Last year, when the lightweight title was vacant and Ilia Topuria fought Charles Oliveira for it at UFC 317, Tsarukyan was also the designated backup.
The 29-year-old is confident that a title opportunity will arise for him later this year. His most recent fight was at UFC Qatar in late 2025, where he submitted Dan Hooker in the second round and then challenged Ilia Topuria. However, he was denied a title shot, with his behavior outside the octagon cited as a contributing factor.
Over the past few months, Tsarukyan has been winning over fans with his actions outside the UFC and his recent media appearances. It seems he has now mended his relationship with Dana White.
If the main event on June 14 goes ahead without incident and Tsarukyan doesn’t need to step in, he has stated that the promotion will announce his next fight after the White House event concludes.