Dana White officially announced that Arman Tsarukyan will serve as the backup fighter for the Ilia Topuria versus Justin Gaethje bout at UFC White House. Earlier this week, Tsarukyan had already expressed willingness to step in if needed for either fighter. However, he clarified at that time that he would not cut weight in preparation for the backup role. The announcement makes Tsarukyan the official replacement should either main event participant be unable to compete. This provides insurance for one of the UFC's most high-profile upcoming events.
Dana White has officially named Arman Tsarukyan as the backup fighter for the lightweight title clash between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at UFC White House, scheduled for June 14, 2026. Should either main event fighter be unable to compete, Tsarukyan will step in as the designated replacement.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters the role as the top-ranked lightweight contender in the UFC, carrying a record of 23-3-0. The Russia-born American Top Team product stands five-foot-seven with an impressive 72-inch reach and averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the division's most complete threats on the ground. Earlier this week he expressed willingness to serve in this capacity but made clear he would not cut weight in preparation for the backup assignment.
Topuria, also 29, comes in ranked second in the lightweight division and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings at 17-1-0. The Spain-based orthodox striker trains out of Climent Club and lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also mixing in nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes.
Standing across from him will be lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, 37, of the United States. Fighting out of Genesis Training Center, "The Highlight" owns a 28-5-0 record and is one of the sport's most prolific strikers, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a sharp 58 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the division's No. 1 contender, meaning any version of this fight carries massive title implications
- His grappling-heavy style contrasts sharply with the striking-first approaches of both Topuria and Gaethje
- Securing a backup protects one of the UFC's most high-profile events of 2026 from a late cancellation
- Tsarukyan's no-weight-cut condition adds an unusual wrinkle to the standard backup arrangement
Sunday, June 14, 2026
