After weeks of speculation Dana White confirms backup fighter for Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje for UFC White House event

The UFC has officially named Arman Tsarukyan as the backup fighter for the lightweight title clash between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. The bought will be held at the historic UFC White House card in June. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the news during a recent livestream with Nina-Marie Daniele. The event is expected to be one of the biggest shows in UFC history and will be held as part of America250 celebrations in Washington, D.C.The June 14 event will take place on the South Lawn of the White House. Along with the lightweight title fight, the card will also feature Alex Pereira facing Ciryl Gane in an interim heavyweight title bout. Reports suggest that around 4,500 fans will attend the event live, while thousands more are expected to gather at Ellipse Park nearby. The event has already attracted global attention after the fighters recently met U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office.Dana White revealed that Arman Tsarukyan will remain on standby in case anything happens to the lightweight championship fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. While answering questions during a livestream, White explained that Tsarukyan has been selected as the official replacement fighter for the UFC White House main event. He added that if either Topuria or Gaethje is forced out before fight night, Tsarukyan will immediately step into the title bout.The decision gives Tsarukyan another major opportunity after months of uncertainty around his UFC future. The Armenian contender had reportedly slipped down the title pecking order because of issues outside the cage during the last year. However, he returned strongly with a submission victory over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in November. That performance appears to have helped him regain the UFC’s trust.Meanwhile, excitement around UFC Freedom 250 continues to grow. Earlier this week, Topuria, Gaethje, Pereira, and Gane visited the Oval Office and met Donald Trump ahead of the event. During the interaction, Topuria jokingly asked the President why Gaethje had been given such a difficult opponent for the historic card. Trump responded by saying every fighter on the lineup would be facing a major challenge.When asked about his confidence level for the title fight, Topuria made it clear that he fully believes he will leave with the belt. The lightweight champion admitted Gaethje is a dangerous and experienced opponent but insisted that he trusts his own skills completely heading into the contest. Trump appeared impressed by Topuria’s confidence and greeted him warmly after the exchange.