Arman Tsarukyan Ready to Drop to Featherweight for a UFC Title

Top UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has stated that he is considering a move to the featherweight division if he does not receive a title fight in his current weight class in the near future.

According to the Armenian fighter, his team has already calculated the potential risks and weight-cutting parameters.

“If they don’t give me a title shot at lightweight, I’ll try to win the title at 65 kg. We’ve calculated everything, so my body is capable of competing in that weight class,” Tsarukyan said.

The topic of Tsarukyan’s potential move was also raised during the UFC 325 media day, where reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and contender Diego Lopes answered questions about Arman possibly entering their division.

Volkanovski made it clear he wouldn’t mind the challenge.

“I like challenges. He would obviously be a serious test if he can make that weight — that would definitely be a tough fight. It’s a very interesting option. I believe my takedown defense is pretty solid, so it would be a very exciting matchup,” the champion said.

Tsarukyan himself also discussed the possibility of changing weight classes earlier this week in an interview on Ariel Helwani’s show.

Meanwhile, Diego Lopes reacted more skeptically to the potential move, though with respect for the Armenian’s level.

“I don’t know if Tsarukyan thinks he deserves a featherweight title shot, but if the UFC didn’t give him a title fight at lightweight, they definitely won’t give him one in our division. But I respect him. He’s a great athlete, a great guy. He’s very dangerous, and if he wants to come to our division, there will be a good fight for him here,” Lopes noted.

This Saturday, January 31, Volkanovski will defend his featherweight title against Diego Lopes at UFC 325 in Australia. The outcome of that fight could impact the balance of power in the division — and potentially open the door for major cross-division matchups, including one with Tsarukyan.

However, Tsarukyan will first and foremost be waiting for a lightweight title fight — either against Justin Gaethje or Ilia Topuria.