Arman Tsarukyan ready to step in at UFC 317 after title shot setback

After he was unlucky to fall out of his first UFC title fight on the eve of the fight, Arman Tsarukyan made it clear that he was willing to take risks, even on short notice.

Tsarukyan was scheduled to headline UFC 311 and challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, but an injury before the weigh-in forced him to withdraw. Renato Moicano stepped in instead, and Tsarukyan's return to the throne was postponed - but not written off.

In the meantime, a new twist has occurred: Makhachev has surrendered the belt and decided to move up to welterweight, so UFC 317 on June 28 will bring a new face at the top. Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will fight for the vacant title. And that's where Arman could make another appearance.

– I’m not sure if they need me as a replacement, but if they offer it to me, I’ll take it right away – Tsarukyan said after winning a grappling match against Patricky Pitbull at the ADXC 10 event in Moscow. – I’m going back to the US and I’ll stay there ready, in case someone gets injured. If the UFC asks me if I’m ready – my answer is yes.

Second fight

But that’s not all. Tsarukyan is willing to be a reserve for the second big fight that’s coming up – a trilogy between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway, this time for the BMF title. If the worst happens and one of them is prevented, Arman would be ready to save the day again.

– Absolutely. Without thinking – he said. – Now I have to take chances. The injury has thrown me off the rails, and the doctor hasn’t clearly communicated the nature of the problem, so some still think I’ve avoided the fight. I have to get back in the game and I’ll do whatever the UFC asks.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this great fighter.