Tsarukyan Sets One Condition for Volkanovski Fight: Only for the Title

Arman Tsarukyan will face Alexander Volkanovski only if the UFC lightweight title is on the line, the Armenian contender has made clear. Volkanovski stopped Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi to defend his featherweight strap, then pitched a return to 155 pounds, floating a vacant-title clash with Tsarukyan should champion Justin Gaethje retire. Tsarukyan told reporter Yavuz Saynomo that the belt matters more than the name across the cage, and he expects his next assignment to be for gold regardless of who stands opposite him, naming Gaethje or another contender if the champion walks away. Volkanovski has claimed his wrestling can neutralise Tsarukyan's grappling and prevent takedowns, but Tsarukyan fired back by pointing to the Australian's knockout loss to Islam Makhachev in their lightweight rematch. Volkanovski challenged Makhachev twice for the 155-pound crown, dropping a decision in the first meeting before Makhachev finished him with a head kick and ground strikes in the second. Tsarukyan's message is therefore simple: a superfight with Volkanovski is welcome, but only with championship stakes attached.