Tsarukyan rules out backup role, eyes title shot after June

Arman Tsarukyan will not serve as backup for a featherweight title bout, telling reporters he plans to compete in June and wait for his championship opportunity.

“I'm wrestling on June 13... I'm gonna wait for my [title] chance.”

— Arman Tsarukyan, via Sherdog

What Arman Tsarukyan said

Tsarukyan competes at lightweight. The backup discussion centred on a featherweight clash between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Fighters outside their natural weight class sometimes stand in as alternates for major title bouts, but Tsarukyan has declined the role.

What it moves

The decision keeps Tsarukyan focused on lightweight. Speaking to Sherdog, he said: "I'm wrestling on June 13... I'm gonna wait for my [title] chance." His June date suggests a summer return rather than stepping in on short notice.

Source: sherdog.com. Full Arman Tsarukyan fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.