Arman Tsarukyan has stated his readiness to compete for the featherweight title against either Movsar Evloev or Alex Volkanovski. When asked which matchup would be more interesting, Tsarukyan expressed preference for facing Volkanovski. He cited Volkanovski's numerous title defenses and higher media profile as reasons for his interest. Tsarukyan is currently a top lightweight contender, making this statement about a potential featherweight move notable. The post included a poll asking fans which opponent would be more interesting. Tsarukyan's openness to either opponent demonstrates his willingness to take on elite competition at 145 pounds.
Arman Tsarukyan has publicly declared his willingness to drop to featherweight and compete for the 145-pound title, naming both Movsar Evloev and Alex Volkanovski as opponents he would welcome — with a clear preference for Volkanovski.
The 29-year-old Armenian-Russian fighter, known as "Ahalkalakets," currently sits as the number-one ranked lightweight contender with a record of 23-3-0. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, Tsarukyan operates out of an orthodox stance and has built his reputation as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and adds consistent wrestling pressure, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes for American Top Team.
Tsarukyan explained his preference for Volkanovski by pointing to the Australian's lengthy run of title defenses and his broader media profile, suggesting the matchup carries greater prestige.
Standing in the way at featherweight is Evloev, a fellow Russian and American Top Team teammate who enters as the division's number-one ranked contender at 32 years old with a perfect 20-0-0 record. The undefeated orthodox fighter is five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach and has shown sharp, active striking — landing 3.91 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy — while also averaging an impressive 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan moving to featherweight would immediately shake up two divisions simultaneously, thinning the lightweight title picture while injecting a proven elite contender into the 145-pound mix.
- A matchup with Evloev would pit two unbeaten-or-near-elite American Top Team teammates against each other, creating a compelling internal rivalry angle.
- Tsarukyan's near-identical physical profile to Evloev — identical height and reach — suggests a closely contested grappling-heavy style clash if that fight were made.
