Arman Tsarukyan will compete on May 31 at RAF 09, where he is scheduled to face Kielon Jimison. This bout represents a non-UFC appearance for the lightweight contender as he takes on an opponent outside the UFC roster. Details about the weight class and bout specifics were not provided in the announcement. The RAF promotion continues to feature high-profile fighters on its cards. This fight follows recent reports of Tsarukyan being considered for other matchups in larger organizations.
Arman Tsarukyan is set to step outside the UFC and compete at RAF 09 on May 31, where the lightweight contender will face Kielon Jimison in a bout announced by the promotion.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters the fight as one of the most decorated lightweights on the planet. The Russian fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, carries a record of 23-3-0 and holds the number one ranking in the UFC lightweight division. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he fights out of the orthodox stance and has built his reputation on a well-rounded offensive game. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and adds a persistent takedown threat, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. The appearance at RAF 09 marks a non-UFC engagement for a fighter operating at the very top of the 155-pound class.
Kielon Jimison does not appear in the AgentMMA database, and specific bout details such as the contracted weight class were not included in the official announcement.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making any appearance a significant moment for the division
- A non-UFC outing for a fighter of his ranking is uncommon and draws attention to the RAF promotion
- The weight class remains unconfirmed, leaving open questions about how the bout will be structured
- The fight comes amid reported discussions linking Tsarukyan to potential matchups at larger organizations
