Alexander Volkanovski is up for taking on Arman Tsarukyan, should the top lightweight contender make the cut to 145 pounds.
Many pieces have to fall into place for a potential title fight between Volkanovski (27-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC) and Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) to take place. First, Volkanovski has to successfully defend the 145-pound title Saturday in a rematch against Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 325 in Sydney. Second, Tsarukyan would have to successfully make the cut to 145, which seems like a big task.
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“I love challenges,” Volkanovski told reporters at UFC 325 media day (h/t TheMacLife). “He would obviously be a tough challenge. If he could get down there, that would be definitely a tough challenge. Same with Movsar (Evloev). … Even the wrestling side of things, I would love that. Because for the legacy, you can talk about legacy. You got guys like Movsar, undefeated – so, later. Obviously, I’ve got a job to do this weekend.”
Tsarukyan mentioned the idea of moving down to featherweight during an interview with Ariel Helwani. According to the lightweight contender, his team researched the possibility and said he could make the weight. Tsarukyan hasn’t competed at 145 pounds since 2017, but it’s a risk he’s willing to take should the promotion keep him on the outside looking in at a 155-pound title opportunity.
Volkanovski is up for it.
First things first, he has to win another fight against Lopes, whom he beat by unanimous decision at UFC 314 to become featherweight champ for the second time. The UFC has to want it as well, which would mean once again leaving out Evloev, the No. 1 contender at 145 pounds, who arguably should have been facing Volkanovski in Sydney this weekend.
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“Whatever comes my way, I’ll be happy,” Volkanovski said. “But Movsar, Lerone (Murphy) – incredible records, or even Arman if he was to come down, yeah, that’s a challenge. So that’ll be definitely something. I feel like my takedown defense is pretty solid, so that’ll definitely be a fun one.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Alexander Volkanovski reacts to idea of Arman Tsarukyan moving to 145
