Arman Tsarukyan throws his name into the hat for a backup role when necessary.
The Emperor has not been in the good bounty of the UFC recently. He was kicked out of the UFC Lightweight Championship battle with Islamic Makachev before the UFC 311 weigh-in due to a back injury. UFC CEO Dana White has revealed that “Akhalkalakets” will not win the next title shot.
The emperor then turned down a rematch with Mateusz Gamrot and found the offer to the match to be “disrespectful.” Currently ranked No. 1 UFC Lightweight says it is open to the backup roles of the next two UFC pay-per-views.
Related: Arman Tsarukyan got frustrated after turning down an offer to fight the UFC against ranked lightweight
Arman Tsarukyan has open backup status
Arman Tsarukyan recently spoke to reporters after an open training session. During the chat, the emperor said he would be happy to serve as a backup fighter for the UFC 317 main event between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira. That match will be contested at the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship (via MMAFighting).
“I don’t know if that’s necessary, but if they provide it to me, I’ll definitely back it up,” the emperor told reporters. “I’m ready. I’m back in America now and I’ll stay there in case someone gets injured.
Additionally, Tsarukyan doesn’t mind being drawn into a backup spot if the planned UFC 318 main event fails. Dustin Poirier is scheduled to fight his retirement with Max Holloway in New Orleans on July 19th.
“I’m absolutely positive (I say yes),” the emperor said. “I need to take a chance now. I’m injured and this injury was misunderstood. The doctors didn’t let anyone know what really happened.
“Now I need to get back on track, so I’m going to do whatever the UFC says to me.”
It will be interesting to see if the UFC will offer the Emperor Backup role for any fight card.
