Arman Tsarukyan stated he is ready to compete for the featherweight title against either Movsar Evloev or Alex Volkanovski. When asked which opponent he finds more interesting, Tsarukyan expressed preference for Volkanovski, citing his multiple title defenses and higher media profile. The lightweight contender appears willing to move up in weight class for a championship opportunity. Tsarukyan's comments indicate openness to facing either top featherweight but leans toward the matchup with the former champion Volkanovski.
Arman Tsarukyan has made clear he is willing to move up a weight class to chase featherweight gold, naming both Movsar Evloev and Alex Volkanovski as potential opponents while expressing a preference for the former champion.
Tsarukyan, known as "Ahalkalakets," is currently the number-one ranked lightweight contender at 29 years old. The Russian fighter out of American Top Team carries a 23-3 record and has built a reputation as one of the most well-rounded threats in the 155-pound division. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and adds 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a dangerous proposition at any weight.
Standing in his way at featherweight is Evloev, an equally compelling figure. The 32-year-old Russian is the division's top-ranked contender with a perfect 20-0 record — one of the most pristine ledgers in the UFC. Also representing American Top Team, Evloev is a relentless grappler who averages 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes and strikes at a rate of 3.91 significant strikes per minute. The two men share the same height at five-foot-seven and identical 72-inch reaches, which makes any potential matchup between them a remarkably even contest on paper.
Despite Evloev's credentials, Tsarukyan indicated he finds Volkanovski the more appealing target, pointing to the former champion's multiple title defenses and higher public profile as reasons for the preference.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan moving to 145 pounds would shake up two divisions simultaneously, creating ripple effects at both lightweight and featherweight
- A fight with Evloev would pit two undefeated-or-near-perfect American Top Team teammates-turned-rivals against each other for a title
- Volkanovski's involvement would carry enormous marquee value given his former champion status, raising the event profile considerably
- Whichever direction this develops, the featherweight title picture gains an unexpected and dangerous new challenger
