Arman Tsarukyan Clarifies UFC Freedom 250 Backup Role After Preferring RAF Bout

Arman Tsarukyan reveals preference to wrestle on RAF 10 rather than wait for the backup opportunity to materialize at UFC Freedom 250.

Arman Tsarukyan Clarifies UFC Freedom 250 Backup Role After Preferring RAF Bout

Arman Tsarukyan may miss UFC Freedom 250 (via Instagram)

In Short
  • Arman Tsarukyan has been named the backup for the UFC Freedom 250 title fight but is focused on his upcoming RAF bouts.
  • He is set to compete against Tony Ferguson on June 13, just a day before the UFC event.
  • Tsarukyan's recent performances have helped increase RAF's valuation significantly, showcasing his impact outside the UFC.

Arman Tsarukyan is one of the UFC’s biggest stars at the moment, but has spent months campaigning for a title shot. Previous issues left him in the doghouse with Dana White despite remaining a top lightweight contender. Tsarukyan was recently named the backup for the UFC Freedom 250 title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. However, the Armenian star appears to have different plans for June 14.

Tsarukyan last competed in November 2025 at UFC Qatar, where he submitted Dan Hooker to strengthen his claim as the division’s top contender. However, that position quickly changed after Justin Gaethje captured the interim title by defeating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. White later confirmed that Tsarukyan would serve as the official backup for the lightweight championship main event at the White House card.

Tsarukyan has found major success under the RAF banner and remains undefeated during his run with the promotion. He is set to face influencer-wrestler Mugzy at RAF 09. However, after that, he will be taking on UFC legend Tony Ferguson at RAF 10 on June 13 at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis. With UFC Freedom 250 scheduled for June 14, the lightweight contender faces a demanding stretch across multiple events.

I have wrestling on June 13th, and we’ll see so… yeah, I’m a backup, but if everything’s going good, two weeks left, so I think they [Topuria and Gaethje] are gonna fight.

Arman Tsarukyan via RAF 09 press conference

Tsarukyan has enjoyed success under the RAF banner and has already competed for the promotion four times in 2026. His dominant performances have helped make him one of the company’s biggest attractions outside the UFC. The Armenian contender recently claimed that his involvement helped increase RAF’s valuation from roughly $15 million to nearly $110 million during its rapid expansion.

However, Tsarukyan’s RAF run has also been marked by notable controversy. The first major incident came at RAF 06, where repeated fouls during his match with Georgio Poullas eventually escalated into a post-match brawl. Another flashpoint followed at RAF 08 when he shoved UFC legend Urijah Faber off the mats during a heated exchange before later securing a tech fall victory over the former champion.

Arman Tsarukyan recently regained favor with Dana White after months of being overlooked despite remaining a top contender. His backup role for UFC Freedom 250 reflects that renewed trust. However, failing to appear if a replacement is needed could quickly put him back in the UFC CEO’s bad graces. With a title shot potentially on the line, the Armenian star’s next move could have consequences for his future.

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Olympic wrestling phenom praises Arman Tsarukyan’s wrestling

Arman Tsarukyan has rapidly developed a reputation as one of the strongest wrestlers in mixed martial arts despite competing primarily inside the UFC. Since May 2025, the Armenian standout has competed in around 10 wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu matches across multiple promotions worldwide. His activity level outside MMA has been virtually unmatched among ranked UFC fighters.

Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan (via X)

Abdulrashid Sadulaev is one of the most accomplished freestyle wrestlers ever, winning two Olympic gold medals and six world titles. Known as ‘The Russian Tank’, he has defeated several elite international opponents throughout his career, including Kyle Snyder and David Taylor. Ahead of RAF 09, Sadulaev revealed that he had seen Tsarukyan train with top Russian wrestlers and praised his wrestling ability.

Arman frequently joined us in camps. He trained with the best wrestlers. Also, he always worked with one of our best coaches, it’s one of Russia’s honored coaches — Vladimir Modosyan. I think his wrestling skills are above average. For example, if he competed at the Russian championships, he could’ve made it into the top 5.

Abdulrashid Sadulaev via Red Corner MMA

Tsarukyan’s wrestling success has earned praise from respected figures across combat sports. UFC commentator Joe Rogan also recently commended the Armenian superstar for remaining active despite already being financially secure. With recognition continuing to grow, Arman Tsarukyan has further cemented his reputation as one of MMA’s most dedicated competitors.

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