Arman Tsarukyan Ready as UFC 317 Main Event Backup

Arman Tsarukyan may not have a confirmed opponent yet, but he’s far from inactive. The surging UFC lightweight contender is preparing to step in as the official backup fighter for the highly anticipated UFC 317 main event between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira, scheduled for June 28.

Currently riding a four-fight win streak, Tsarukyan’s presence as the standby fighter signals just how close he is to another title shot. The UFC often designates backup fighters for championship bouts in case injury or illness forces a late withdrawal—and Tsarukyan is now the man on standby for the UFC’s next big lightweight clash.

The 27-year-old Armenian-Russian fighter confirmed his backup role via social media, with additional sources backing up the report. It’s a significant moment for Tsarukyan, who just months ago was preparing for a title shot of his own.

Back in January, Tsarukyan was scheduled to face reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for UFC gold. But disaster struck just days before the event when a back injury forced him to withdraw. Without a backup fighter in place at the time, Renato Moicano was quickly reshuffled into a new matchup with Beneil Dariush, salvaging the event but leaving Tsarukyan sidelined.

The setback was crushing for a fighter who had seemingly earned his long-awaited shot at the title. Since then, UFC CEO Dana White made it clear that Tsarukyan would need one more win before receiving another title opportunity. Though he has not yet been officially rebooked, the backup role at UFC 317 could be his ticket back into the title conversation.

Serving as a backup may not guarantee a fight, but it positions Tsarukyan exactly where he wants to be—on the doorstep of another championship opportunity.

“Just in case my name gets called,” Tsarukyan noted in a subtle but important remark.

Should something happen to either Topuria or Oliveira, Tsarukyan will be ready. Interestingly, Tsarukyan already holds a recent win over Charles Oliveira from UFC 300, making a rematch intriguing if Oliveira were to advance to the belt. On the other side, a showdown with Ilia Topuria would also be a headline-worthy clash, particularly given both fighters' Georgian heritage and passionate fanbases.

Even if he doesn’t step into the cage on June 28, Tsarukyan’s backup status is more than ceremonial—it’s a clear signal that the UFC still views him as a top contender at 155 pounds. In a crowded division filled with talent, Tsarukyan is keeping himself within arm’s reach of the title.

Whether fate steps in or not, Arman Tsarukyan is locked in and ready for anything at UFC 317.