Arman Tsarukyan is still waiting for his next mission within Octagon, but he has an important job waiting for him at UFC 317.
The lightweight contender, who won four in the division, is set to serve as a backup for the main event when Ilia Topria wins a new champion with Charles Oliveira at 155 pounds.
Tsarukyan initially recognized his backup role in a social media post.
Although not necessarily standard practice, the UFC often employs backup fighters as a potential alternative in case a disaster strikes a major upcoming event. The emperor experienced it a few days since fighting Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title in January, but a back injury drove him off the card at the last moment.
Although there were no backups, Renato Moicano eventually embraced the opportunity at the Emperor’s place after the Brazilians were originally scheduled to face Beneil Dalyusch on the same card.
As that injury prevented him from fighting for the title, the emperor is stuck on No Man’s land waiting for a new battle, with UFC CEO Dana White saying he must get another victory before getting another shot with the champion.
However, with the UFC 317 backup role secured, the emperor is in a great position to challenge the winner, potentially to challenge the winner.
Of course, the Emperor has already won over UFC 300 Oliveira, and his showdown with Toplia will certainly attract a lot of attention.
For now, Tsarukyan will continue his preparations in case his name is called in the backup roll set at UFC 317 on June 28th.