Arman Tsarukyan’s possible double duty — Dana White’s shocking update

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Arman Tsarukyan’s possible double duty — Dana White’s shocking update

Originally posted on HITC | By Jamie Theodosi | Last updated May 8, 2026 5:06 PM ET

Arman Tsarukyan isn’t showing any signs of taking a break, and it looks like June could be one of his busiest months yet.

The top UFC lightweight contender hasn’t stepped into the Octagon since last November, when he put on a dominant performance against Dan Hooker.

But that doesn’t mean he’s been sitting idle. Tsarukyan has stayed sharp by competing in grappling and wrestling matches every month this year.

He’s been using Real American Freestyle Wrestling as a way to keep active while waiting for his next UFC fight to be scheduled.

Tsarukyan could be facing two fights in two days after Dana White’s latest move

Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje are set to meet for the undisputed lightweight title on June 14 at the UFC White House event.

Tsarukyan had previously stated that he was planning to keep his weight down in case a late replacement was needed, but there hadn’t been any official confirmation from the UFC until Dana White made it public this week.

That means Tsarukyan will likely need to weigh in as a backup, ready to step in if Topuria or Gaethje can’t make it to fight night.

The challenge is that Tsarukyan is already booked to fight Tony Ferguson at RAF 10 on June 13, just one day before the UFC event, with that bout taking place in St. Louis.

He’ll need to be in Washington D.C. for the official weigh-ins on June 13 before potentially heading straight back to Missouri—a flight that usually takes around two and a half hours.

Bloody Elbow reached out to RAF for an update on whether Tsarukyan vs Ferguson might be affected by his commitment as a backup for the White House event. The promotion responded by saying they don’t expect any changes at this stage.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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