Former UFC lightweight title challenger Arman Tsarukyan has been booked for RAF09 on May 31st. His opponent will be Kielon Jimison. This marks Tsarukyan's return to the Russian promotion following his run in the UFC. No further details about the fight location or card were provided in the announcement. This represents a significant booking for the RAF promotion.
Arman Tsarukyan is set to compete at RAF09 on May 31, returning to the Russian promotion against Kielon Jimison in a lightweight bout.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters the fight carrying one of the most impressive résumés in the 155-pound division. The Russian-born fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, holds a record of 23-3 and is ranked number one in the UFC lightweight division. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he fights out of an 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, while also averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that made him a serious threat during his UFC tenure, which included a shot at the lightweight title. He returns to the RAF promotion following that run at the highest level of the sport.
No verified database record was available for opponent Kielon Jimison ahead of the announcement. No additional details about the event location or full card were included in the official booking.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight in the UFC, making this booking a notable event for the RAF promotion
- His return to a Russian organization marks a significant shift from his recent career trajectory
- The matchup is a high-profile headliner for RAF09 regardless of what else appears on the card
