UFC CEO Dana White said Arman Tsarukyan is the backup fighter for the lightweight title-unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje [2].

The designation ensures the high-profile event proceeds even if a primary fighter is unable to compete due to injury or other complications. Because the match involves the unification of the lightweight championship, the stakes for the promotion and the athletes are significant.

The fight is scheduled for June 14, 2024 [1]. The event will take place at the UFC White House venue, a historic location chosen for the clash [1].

White said the appointment during a press conference held in Newark, New Jersey [1]. The announcement follows weeks of speculation regarding who would step in should Topuria or Gaethje be forced to withdraw from the card [2].

Tsarukyan will remain on standby to maintain the integrity of the championship bout. The UFC typically utilizes backup fighters for major title fights to avoid the logistical and financial fallout of a last-minute cancellation.

Topuria and Gaethje are set to compete for the undisputed lightweight title [1]. The bout serves as a pivotal moment for both fighters, as a victory would solidify their standing at the top of the division.

“Arman Tsarukyan named as the backup fighter.”

The appointment of a backup fighter for a title-unification bout is a strategic move by the UFC to mitigate the risk of a main-event collapse. By securing a high-ranking contender like Tsarukyan, the promotion protects the commercial viability of the White House event and ensures that the lightweight division's hierarchy is resolved without significant delay.