Former UFC lightweight title challenger Arman Tsarukyan is scheduled to compete at RAF 09 on May 31 against opponent Keelon Jimison. This marks Tsarukyan's first announced bout since his recent title fight in the UFC. No further details about the matchup were provided in the announcement. The fight will take place under the Russian promotion RAF (Russian Absolute Fighting). Tsarukyan's move to compete outside the UFC suggests he is exploring opportunities in other organizations.
Arman Tsarukyan is set to return to competition on May 31 when he faces Keelon Jimison at RAF 09, an event held under the Russian Absolute Fighting banner.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters the bout as one of the most decorated lightweights in the sport. The Russian-born 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 brings a well-rounded skill set to the cage. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate, and his wrestling remains a consistent threat at 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. His most recent UFC appearance was a title challenge, making this his first announced fight since that contest.
No verified data for Keelon Jimison was available, and no additional details about the matchup conditions were included in the announcement.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked UFC lightweight, so his decision to compete outside the organization draws immediate attention to his status within the division.
- RAF 09 marks his first confirmed bout since challenging for the UFC lightweight title, signaling he intends to remain active regardless of promotional affiliation.
- The style and record of opponent Keelon Jimison remain unconfirmed, leaving the competitive context of the fight unclear ahead of May 31.
