Arman Tsarukyan declines to weigh in for UFC backup role

3 sources1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 12:10 PM

Last updated Jun 2, 2026

Arman Tsarukyan declines to weigh in for UFC backup role
Summary

Arman Tsarukyan, ranked No. 2 in the lightweight division, has declined to weigh in as the official backup for the upcoming title fight between UFC champion Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, scheduled for next month at the UFC's White House card. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions between Tsarukyan and UFC officials, reportedly indicating a lack of alignment regarding his role. The fight is expected to generate substantial attention, with Tsarukyan's absence from the scales marking a noteworthy moment in the lead-up. As it stands, Tsarukyan will not participate in the event unless circumstances change.

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Status Watch
  • Tsarukyan is ranked No. 2 in the lightweight division.
  • He is the official backup for Topuria vs. Gaethje fight.
  • The title fight is scheduled for next month.
  • Tsarukyan and UFC officials have a history of disagreements.
  • His absence raises questions about future matchmaking.
Latest Updates
  • 12:10 PMYahoo SportsArman Tsarukyan wants one week’s notice to step in for UFC White House main event
  • 4:49 PMYahoo SportsArman Tsarukyan not planning to weigh-in as backup for UFC White House
  • 4:00 PMYahoo SportsArman Tsarukyan Declines To Weigh In For UFC White House Backup Role
What they're saying
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Arman Tsarukyan may have been named the official backup for the lightweight title fight between UFC champion Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje next month at UFC’s White House card, but the No. 2-ranked contender doesn’t even intend to weigh in. It’s safe to say Tsarukyan and UFC officials have not seen eye-to-eye in a fairly long […]

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Arman Tsarukyan will still be the backup fighter for the UFC White House main event between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, although he doesn’t intend on weighing in for a fight unless he’s actually going to compete. In the past, backup fighters have shown up on fight week and cut weight and made weight so […]

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Arman Tsarukyan isn’t very excited about the backup spot for the UFC White House main event.

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