Arman Tsarukyan Steps in as the Backup Fighter for UFC 317, How Does He Fare Against Both Opponents?
Arman Tsarukyan has been scheduled as the backup fighter to the main event of UFC 317 for the vacated Lightweight Championship between Charles Oliveria vs. Ilila Topuria. If someone happens to miss weight or pull out for any reason, he will step in and fight for the Lightweight Championship. If Arman happens to step in, I will break down how a fight against each opponent could potentially play out. Does Arman deserve this opportunity over someone like Justin Gaethje, and if he has to step in, can he pull it off?
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Charles Oliveria
These two have previously fought at UFC 300 for the number one contender to former Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev. Arman was able to win their first fight by split decision. That first fight was a competitive three-round contest; this would be a five-round fight, and that gives the advantage to Oliveria. Having fought each other previously, they will have an understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses. I think if Arman wants to be successful in the rematch, he will need to circle away from Oliveira’s right hand and not allow him to get top position if this fight goes to the ground. He was able to fight out of a few deep submission attempts that ‘Do Bronx’ had him in. The later this fight goes, the harder it will be for him to escape. It will be a highly competitive back-and-forth matchup, with the slightest mistake could prove detrimental to either athlete. I think Oliveira will be more aggressive in this fight opposed to the first one, and put Arman on the back foot, which will open up his entire game and allow him more opportunities to seek out a finish.
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Ilia Topuria
Arman Tsarukyan is a massive Lightweight with a tremendous wrestling background. Depending on how size Topuria is going to be able to gain in his return to the Lightweight Division, this matchup could overwhelm him. Topuria is one of the best strikers in the UFC, and his power can knock anyone out with one punch. He was the only person to not only knock down Max Holloway but also finish him. We have not seen his wrestling tested so far in the UFC. When he fought a wrestler like Bryce Mitchell, he was able to stuff eight of his nine takedown attempts. Arman is going to be extremely aggressive, trying to get Ilia backed up against the fence where he can shoot for takedowns and impose his grappling. I think Tsarukyan will have a significant advantage on the ground, where he will be able to wear down and damage Topuria. I think this will be a tough matchup for Topuria to win, and I think Tsarukyan will be able to sneak out a decision win if he can stay away from Topuria’s power, because all it takes with ‘El Matador’ is one shot.
The UFC chose the right backup fighter for this vacated Lightweight Championship matchup. Arman Tsarukyan is currently the number one-ranked Lightweight in the world, so it makes sense for him to get this opportunity. If he has to step in for either fighter, it will be just as exciting and entertaining. Whichever way this main event plays out, one thing is for sure: there will be a brand new Lightweight Champion of the world. You don’t want to miss it on June 28th for UFC 317, with a main card start time of 10:00 p.m. EST.
