Dana White has confirmed Arman Tsarukyan will serve as the backup fighter for the UFC Freedom 250 lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at the White House on June 14.

Topuria is scheduled to defend his lightweight championship against interim titleholder Gaethje in the event’s main attraction on the South Lawn, with the card also featuring Alex Pereira against Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title. The event is expected to host around 4,300 spectators and coincides with the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Speaking during Nina Drama’s livestream, White confirmed Tsarukyan is prepared to step in should either Topuria or Gaethje withdraw before fight night. “We’re talking about Armen’s next fight. So Armen is the backup for the White House fight. If anything happens to that fight, Armen is in there,” said White, according to the livestream.

White also praised Tsarukyan’s recent momentum despite previous disciplinary issues. “Yeah, I mean, listen, the run he’s been on is impressive. When you end up sideways, you do some dumb sh*t. He’s got out there and made people want to f**king see him. That’s a fact,” said White.

Tsarukyan last competed in November 2025, submitting Dan Hooker in the second round of their fight in Qatar to earn a Performance of the Night bonus. However, White had criticised the Armenian beforehand after Tsarukyan headbutted Hooker during ceremonial weigh-ins, an incident Hooker claimed resulted in a broken nose. White later stated the episode had cost Tsarukyan an immediate title opportunity.

Since then, Tsarukyan has remained active outside the UFC, including a grappling match victory over Muhammad Mokaev in March and a freestyle wrestling bout against UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber. Faber criticised Tsarukyan’s conduct after an exchange during the match resulted in both men falling off the stage onto a concrete floor.