Sports · Combat Sports · 1 hr ago
Tsarukyan says he will fight Volkanovski only for UFC title
Arman Tsarukyan says he will fight Alexander Volkanovski only for a title, not simply because of the opponent.
Volkanovski, the Australian featherweight champion, has discussed returning to lightweight after defending his title against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.
Volkanovski has offered to face Tsarukyan for a vacant lightweight belt if Justin Gaethje retires, as Gaethje’s future in the sport is uncertain.
Tsarukyan, an Armenian lightweight contender, says he expects his next bout to be for the championship, against Gaethje or someone else.
Volkanovski says he can handle Tsarukyan’s wrestling and get back to his feet.
Tsarukyan pointed to Volkanovski’s knockout loss to Islam Makhachev, who stopped him in their lightweight title rematch after winning their first meeting by decision.
The matchup depends on the lightweight title picture, including whether Gaethje retires; no fight has been confirmed.
Arman Tsarukyan challenged Alexander Volkanovski’s confidence that he could avoid being held down in a potential UFC lightweight title fight.
Volkanovski said Tsarukyan is among the UFC’s best wrestlers and grapplers but predicted he would get back to his feet.
Tsarukyan cited Volkanovski’s past claim that Islam Makhachev could not knock him out; Makhachev knocked out Volkanovski at UFC 294 in 2023.
Tsarukyan’s coach, Marcos da Matta, said Tsarukyan deserves a title shot and welcomed a fight with either Volkanovski or Justin Gaethje.
Da Matta suggested February or March as a possible time for Tsarukyan’s return.
- Who
- Arman Tsarukyan and Alexander Volkanovski are discussed as possible opponents. Tsarukyan’s coach is Marcos da Matta.
- What
- Tsarukyan challenged Volkanovski’s confidence in handling his wrestling in a potential lightweight title fight.
- When
- The articles were published on November 1, 2026. Da Matta suggested February or March for Tsarukyan’s return.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Volkanovski said he was open to a vacant lightweight title fight with Tsarukyan, prompting discussion of whether he could cope with Tsarukyan’s wrestling.
Arman Tsarukyan
Alexander Volkanovski
Wrestling and grappling
Arman Tsarukyan
Tsarukyan pointed to Volkanovski’s previous claim that Makhachev could not knock him out.
Alexander Volkanovski
Volkanovski said Tsarukyan is one of the UFC’s best wrestlers and grapplers but would not hold him down.
Islam Makhachev knocked out Volkanovski at UFC 294 after Volkanovski accepted the rematch on short notice.
Da Matta spoke to Sherdog about a possible lightweight title fight involving Tsarukyan.
Bloody Elbow and Sherdog published articles about the potential fight and Tsarukyan’s title-shot prospects.
- Potential matchup
- Arman Tsarukyan vs. Alexander Volkanovski
- Weight class
- Lightweight, 155 pounds
- Alternative opponent
- Justin Gaethje
- Past result
- Islam Makhachev knocked out Volkanovski at UFC 294 in 2023
- Possible return window
- February or March
3 sources
What people are saying
I think he’s one of the best wrestlers and grapplers in the UFC, but you ain’t holding me down.
He said Islam Makhachev cannot knock him out too.
For me, as long as it's a title fight, either one would be perfect. Our job is to go in there and win.