Backup Fighter Confirmed for Topuria vs. Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250
UFC CEO Dana White has officially confirmed that Arman Tsarukyan will serve as the backup fighter for the highly anticipated lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. The fight, set to headline "UFC Freedom 250" on June 14 at the White House, carries enormous stakes for both the division and the sport.
Speaking on a recent Kick stream with Nina Drama, White addressed fan questions regarding Tsarukyan’s next move. "Arman is the backup for the White House fight," White said. "So if anything happens to that fight, Arman’s in there." The announcement ends weeks of speculation about who would step in should either Topuria or Gaethje be forced to withdraw.
Tsarukyan, currently ranked No. 2 in the UFC lightweight division—one spot behind interim champion Gaethje—was originally scheduled to rematch Islam Makhachev for the undisputed title at UFC 311 before a weigh-in day injury forced him out. White had publicly stated that Tsarukyan would need to work his way back into contention, but the 29-year-old’s recent activity has apparently restored his standing with the promotion.
Since his withdrawal, Tsarukyan has submitted Dan Hooker in his only Octagon appearance and has stayed active in grappling competitions. He has RAF wrestling matches scheduled for May 30 against Keelon Jimison and June 13 against former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson—the latter just one day before the White House card. It remains unclear whether his backup fighter status will alter those plans.
The Stakes: A Unification Bout Under Unprecedented Circumstances
The main event of UFC Freedom 250 will see Gaethje, 37, attempt to unify the lightweight belts for the second time in his career. The Arizona native, known as "The Highlight," captured interim gold by defeating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 in January, making him the first and only two-time interim lightweight champion in UFC history. He previously won an interim title by stopping Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 before losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov in an unsuccessful unification bid in 2020.
Topuria, meanwhile, will make his first defense of the undisputed lightweight crown after knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to claim the belt. The undefeated star vacated the featherweight title to move up, and now faces arguably the most dangerous opponent in the division—a man known for his relentless pressure, iron chin, and devastating punching power.
Gaethje, a native of Safford, Arizona, has been celebrated as a hometown hero and a fighter who embodies the grit of his mining town roots. During a recent visit to the Oval Office, President Donald Trump called Gaethje "a friend of mine" and praised his fighting style: "You see the kind of pounding he’ll take, and then all of a sudden it’s over, and the other guy’s not in good shape, right?"
Topuria, never short on confidence, questioned why Trump would give his friend such a difficult test. Gaethje’s response was simple: "Because he knows that’s what I want." The exchange, captured on video, highlights the mutual respect—and the immense pressure—surrounding this fight.
A Night of History and Controversy
UFC Freedom 250 is the first major MMA event ever held on the White House grounds, with the South Lawn serving as the venue. A special stars-and-stripes themed championship belt has been commissioned for the occasion. The card also features an interim heavyweight title bout between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.
However, the buildup has not been without disruption. At the UFC Freedom 250 press conference in New Jersey, unbeaten heavyweight contender Josh Hokit—who fights Derrick Lewis on the card—caused a scene by interrupting and insulting fighters. Topuria confronted Hokit, leading to a heated exchange that ended with Topuria throwing a water bottle at Hokit before security intervened. The incident has added a layer of chaos to an already historic event.
For Gaethje, the White House fight represents a chance at redemption and legacy. At 37, he may not have many more opportunities at undisputed gold. For Topuria, the fight is a chance to prove that his dominance extends beyond featherweight and that he belongs among the sport’s all-time greats.
Broader Implications: The Backup Fighter Role and Title Picture
Tsarukyan’s appointment as backup fighter is significant for multiple reasons. First, it signals that the UFC views him as the next in line despite his previous withdrawal. Second, it provides insurance for a card that carries immense logistical and political importance—organizers cannot afford a late cancellation.
If Tsarukyan does not need to step in on June 14, he will likely be next in line for the winner, regardless of how the title picture unfolds. His grappling-heavy style presents a unique challenge for both Topuria and Gaethje, and his presence on standby adds another layer of intrigue to fight week.
The White House event also reflects the UFC’s growing relationship with political power, a trend that has accelerated under the Trump administration. While the $1.5 million VIP ticket packages have sparked debate about accessibility and exclusivity, the reality is that this event is as much about spectacle as sport.
For Gaethje, the path has never been easy—and it ends in the most unlikely venue in combat sports history. Whether he leaves the White House as undisputed champion or as another victim of Topuria’s rise, one thing is certain: the kid from Safford will not back down.
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