The main event for UFC 317 is set to proceed as planned following Friday`s successful weigh-ins. The only significant change on the day before the fights was Christopher Ewert being immediately released by the UFC after he failed to make weight.
All four fighters scheduled to compete in the two championship bouts on June 28 successfully met their required weights. Ilia Topuria notably showed his confidence by celebrating with his team after weighing in, even before stepping into the octagon.
There was some attention on Charles Oliveira`s weigh-in, given the Brazilian`s past issue where he lost his lightweight title on the scales. However, `Do Bronx` had no problems making weight this time around. The backup fighter for the main event also made the lightweight limit, leading fans to speculate whether this act would position him as the next contender for the winner of the vacant lightweight title.
Dana White Addresses Tsarukyan`s Backup Weigh-in and Title Shot Prospects
In a recent interview with Helen Yee Sports, UFC President Dana White was asked about Arman Tsarukyan`s current standing in the lightweight division. The division`s top-ranked contender, at 155 pounds, made weight as the official backup fighter for the main event, though his services ultimately weren`t required.
Tsarukyan had previously withdrawn from a lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 just hours before the weigh-ins due to a back injury. While serving as a backup and making weight doesn`t automatically guarantee the next title opportunity, a practice that has occurred in the past, some observers questioned if Tsarukyan successfully weighing in this time would solidify his claim as the next challenger.
White clarified the situation, stating that while Tsarukyan making weight as a backup does not make him the guaranteed next challenger, it represents a positive development for the 28-year-old following his difficulties in January. He quoted:
No. It’s a good step in the right direction, let’s put it that way.
Tsarukyan Willing to Be Backup for Upcoming Fight
During the UFC 317 weigh-in broadcast, Arman Tsarukyan indicated his willingness to serve as a backup fighter for another significant lightweight contest scheduled for next month. UFC 318 is set to feature a major lightweight matchup between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway, and no official backup has been named for that bout yet.
Dan Hooker had mentioned being approached by the UFC for this backup role but was unable to accept due to injuries preventing him from fighting on that date. Tsarukyan, who seems keen to demonstrate to the UFC that his previous weight-cutting issues are resolved, told Sportsnet that he is available if the promotion needs him for the Poirier vs. Holloway event.
For the immediate future, he will be watching from the sidelines as a new lightweight champion is crowned in the main event of UFC 317.
Percy Harlow