Arman Tsarukyan kept his momentum rolling at RAF 9 and now turns his attention to a potential UFC lightweight title opportunity.
Competing in a wrestling match at RAF 9 on Saturday at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, Tsarukyan quickly defeated Keelon Jimison. The result marked his fifth consecutive victory in RAF appearances.
Tsarukyan is serving as the backup fighter for the UFC Freedom 250 lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje on June 14 in Washington. He said his next move hinges on how that main event plays out. "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," he added. Tsarukyan made it clear whom he wants next: "Ilia Topuria. I want to fight Ilia Topuria. I think Ilia Topuria (wins)."
Tsarukyan also assessed Gaethje, referencing his previous fight with Rafael Fiziev and mentioning Paddy Pimblett while weighing the matchup. "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 withPaddy Pimblett. 60-40."
