Arman Tsarukyan is scheduled to compete at RAF 09 on May 31, where he will face opponent Kelon Jimison. The post confirms this matchup officially. No weight class or other fight details are provided in the announcement. RAF 09 appears to be a Russian promotion event. This represents Tsarukyan's next scheduled appearance following his recent UFC activity.
Arman Tsarukyan is set to make an appearance outside the UFC at RAF 09, a Russian promotion event scheduled for May 31, where he will square off against Kelon Jimison.
Tsarukyan, 29, is one of the most prominent fighters in the lightweight division, currently ranked number one in the world at 155 pounds. The Russian-born product of American Top Team carries a record of 23-3-0 and has established himself as a complete mixed martial artist. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he operates out of an orthodox stance and brings a well-rounded skill set to every fight. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate, while also posing a consistent grappling threat with 3.26 takedown attempts per 15 minutes. His nickname, "Ahalkalakets," reflects his Georgian-Armenian roots despite competing under the Russian flag.
No weight class was specified in the official announcement for the RAF 09 bout, and further details surrounding the matchup have not been disclosed.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the number-one ranked lightweight in the world, making any scheduled appearance a notable event for the division
- His participation in a Russian regional promotion adds context to his activity outside the UFC between major bookings
- The absence of a confirmed weight class leaves open questions about the competitive parameters of the matchup
