TLDR
- Ilia Topuria confirmed he would fight Arman Tsarukyan at the White House card if Justin Gaethje withdraws from their scheduled bout
- Tsarukyan is preparing as the backup fighter and plans to start his weight cut in May to be ready within one to two weeks
- Topuria launched harsh criticism at Tsarukyan’s recent media activities, saying he would “break his jaw in the first round”
- Merab Dvalishvili predicted Topuria would beat Tsarukyan, while Khabib Nurmagomedov previously backed Tsarukyan for the matchup
- The UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House is scheduled for this summer with Topuria vs Gaethje as the main event
Sources: Yardbarker | RingSide24 | BJPenn
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria confirmed he would fight Arman Tsarukyan at the upcoming White House card if Justin Gaethje withdraws from their scheduled title bout. The statement comes as Tsarukyan actively positions himself as the backup fighter for the high-profile event.
Topuria told Ariel Helwani that he originally wanted to fight Islam Makhachev for the White House card. After learning Makhachev was injured, he accepted the fight with Gaethje instead.
“I picked Islam for the White House,” Topuria said. “Then they told me that Islam was injured and that I’m fighting Justin. If they call me tomorrow and tell me that Justin is injured I will fight Arman. I go whoever, whenever, I’m just ready.”
Tsarukyan has been preparing seriously for the backup role. He plans to begin his weight cut in May so he can step in on short notice if needed.
The Armenian fighter said he could be ready within one to two weeks if either Topuria or Gaethje pulls out. He has made it clear he wants to face Topuria directly and win the lightweight championship.
Ilia Topuria did NOT hold back when talking about Arman Tsarukyan on the Ariel Helwani Show 😳#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/9VuDDS1kwB
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) April 21, 2026
Heated Exchange Between Champion and Contender
The relationship between Topuria and Tsarukyan has grown increasingly hostile. In the same interview with Helwani, Topuria launched an expletive-filled attack on Tsarukyan’s recent media activities.
“I’m really impressed by how dumb he is,” Topuria said. “Everything I’ve seen about him on the internet is embarrassing. If we cross paths, I’m going to break his jaw in the first round.”
Topuria criticized Tsarukyan for his growing presence on streams and podcasts while waiting for a title shot. The champion accused the contender of spending his father’s money and claimed he’s “not on my level.”
Tsarukyan has been appearing on various platforms and participating in Real American Freestyle events during his time away from the Octagon. He last fought at UFC Qatar, where he finished Dan Hooker in an impressive performance.
Division Opinions Split on Potential Matchup
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili gave his prediction for a potential Topuria vs Tsarukyan fight. Dvalishvili told Demetrious Johnson he believes Topuria would win.
“I respect Arman Tsarukyan, but since Ilia is champion in this weight class, even if Arman fights Ilia, Ilia beats Arman,” Dvalishvili said. “You can’t take Ilia down, it doesn’t even make sense. Then Arman has to box with Ilia too, and then Ilia will knock out Arman Tsarukyan.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov previously backed Tsarukyan to win the matchup against Topuria. The competing predictions from high-level fighters have kept fans divided on how the fight would play out.
Tsarukyan was expected by many to fight for an interim lightweight title earlier this year. The UFC chose not to book him for that fight due to various issues that were not publicly specified.
The UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House is scheduled for this summer. The card features the returns of Alex Pereira, Bo Nickal, and Michael Chandler alongside the Topuria vs Gaethje main event.
Topuria emphasized that he even accepted the Makhachev fight, which many consider tougher than facing Tsarukyan. The champion’s willingness to fight any top contender appears genuine based on his recent statements.
Tsarukyan has not yet publicly responded to Topuria’s harsh comments about his media presence and personal finances. As of now, the lightweight contender continues his preparation to potentially step in as a replacement fighter within the next several weeks.
