ARLINGTON, Texas – Arman Tsarukayn said it’s not a matter of when he’ll fight again. It’s more a matter of who.
The UFC Freedom 250 lightweight title fight backup, Tsarukyan competed in yet another wrestling match Saturday at RAF 9 when he made quick work of Keelon Jimison.
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The victory is Tsarukyan’s fifth in as many RAF appearances. All have come across consecutive events. Though he’s chomping at the bit to get back into competitions where he can punch, kick, and choke (though Tsarukyan sometimes uses those maneuvers outside of the cage anyway), the UFC hasn’t booked him.
For now, he’ll go through the process of preparing for a title fight he won’t likely compete in. Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria battles Justin Gaethje on June 14 and Tsarukyan will be there on standby in Washington should something happen.
The winner of that fight will determine when Tsarukyan steps back in the cage, he explained to MMA Junkie and other reporters Saturday backstage at College Park Center.
“I’m waiting for the White House card when they are going to fight and then they are going to announce my next fight, probably September, October, or end of this year,” Tsarukyan said. “It depends who is going to win. If it’s Ilia, probably the end of this year. If it’s Gaethje, probably September-October.”
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Tsarukyan said he’s hoping Topuria wins due to the magnitude and test a matchup vs. the Georgia-born Spainard would bring. But he also could see Topuria heading to welterweight to chase a third belt if the UFC let him.
“Ilia Topuria. I want to fight Ilia Topuria. I think Ilia Topuria (wins),” Tsarukyan said. “But I think Justin is an OG and you never know. When he fought with (Rafael) Fiziev, everybody thought he’s young and a good striker and knock him out. But he went there and showed he still can compete at the highest level – same with Paddy Pimblett. 60-40.”
“… If UFC let’s him move up, he’s going to move up. It’s better to fight with Islam than me, because it’s a third title, big money, and if he loses to Islam, it’s OK. He moves up two weight classes and moves to pound-for-pound (best). But if he loses to me at 155, he’s going to be gone.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Arman Tsarukyan gives projected timeline for UFC return
