Arman Tsarukyan eager for backup role at UFC 317. Armenian names potential opponent

Arman Tsarukyan is eager for a reserve role in two big fights in the lightweight category. The fighter gave the name of a likely opponent.

Arman Tsarukyan competed this past weekend at the ADXC gala in Moscow. No sensation was found, the top fighter of the UFC organization submitted Patricky Pitbull in a grappling bout. Tsarukyan’s performance in Russia was an opportunity for the fighter to give several interviews.

Tsarukyan, during an interview with Kamil Gadzhiev, admitted that he is willing to play a reserve role in two upcoming big bouts in the lightweight division. Arman expressed his readiness to jump onto the roster in case of injury to one of the participants in the Ilya Topuria vs Charles Oliveira clash, which will be the fight of the evening at UFC 317.

Tsarukyan also did not rule out the possibility of entering as a replacement in the Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier 3 bout. The duel for the BMF belt crowning Diamond ‘s trilogy with Blessed will take place on July 19 at UFC 318 in New Orleans.

Arman Tsarukyan has his eye on two specific rivals and has named the one with whom a fight is more likely. The Armenian-born fighter says he could face Dan Hooker in late August.

– Hooker or Gaethje. It will probably be Dan. I think the UFC will put together a Gaethje vs Pimblett fight.

Fans and experts were quick to point out to Arman that he is setting his sights on a duel with a standup fighter returning after a long break and two hand surgeries. After all his previous decisions and two grappling starts at Karate Combat and ADXC, it’s not out of the question that Tsarukyan this time will have to adapt to whatever the UFC matchmakers propose.