Arman Tsarukyan will compete at RAF 09 on May 31, with his opponent confirmed as Kelon Jimison. The post provides minimal additional details about the matchup or event context. This represents Tsarukyan's next scheduled bout outside the UFC. The announcement was shared on a Russian MMA news channel. Further specifics about the event location or fight card details are not included in the original post.
Arman Tsarukyan is set to return to action outside the UFC when he meets Kelon Jimison at RAF 09 on May 31, according to an announcement shared on a Russian MMA news channel.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters the bout as one of the most dangerous lightweights in the world. The Russian-born Armenian carries a record of 23-3-0 and holds the number-one ranking in the UFC's lightweight division, making any appearance outside the promotion an immediate point of interest for the sport. Training out of American Top Team, the five-foot-seven orthodox fighter possesses a 72-inch reach and brings a well-rounded game to every outing. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50-percent accuracy rate and adds consistent wrestling pressure, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. His submission threat remains minimal, with just 0.1 attempts per 15 minutes, underscoring his preference for physical dominance over grappling finishes.
No verified database record for Kelon Jimison was included in the available information, and further details about the event location, full fight card, or the bout's specific weight class have not been confirmed at this time.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the UFC's top-ranked lightweight, so any competitive appearance draws scrutiny from the division's contender picture
- RAF 09 marks his next scheduled outing outside the UFC, adding an unusual element to his 2026 campaign
- Additional context on Jimison's background and the event's structure is still outstanding, leaving key questions about the matchup's stakes unanswered
