Overview
- Dana White confirmed Friday that Arman Tsarukyan will be the official replacement for the Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje lightweight title fight at Freedom 250.
- The Newark kickoff press conference ended in a tense scene after Josh Hokit taunted fighters and security removed him when Ilia Topuria tossed water in his direction.
- Tsarukyan is also booked to wrestle Tony Ferguson at RAF 10 on June 13 in St. Louis, creating a crunch because UFC title backups must attend official weigh-ins in Washington, D.C., on the same day.
- The June 14 card on the White House South Lawn also features Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane for an interim heavyweight title.
- Topuria told ESPN he wants a superfight with Islam Makhachev by year’s end if he unifies the belt, a plan that depends on future matchmaking and Makhachev’s availability.