Tsarukyan Sets One Condition For Volkanovski Bout

Arman Tsarukyan will face Alexander Volkanovski only if the UFC lightweight title is on the line.

Volkanovski stopped Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi to defend his featherweight strap, then pitched a return to 155 pounds. With champion Justin Gaethje's future unclear, Volkanovski floated a vacant-title clash with Tsarukyan should Gaethje retire.

Tsarukyan told Yavuz Saynomo that the belt matters more than the name across the cage. "I'm ready for everyone," he said, per Sherdog. "For me, it doesn't matter who I'm gonna fight; I just want to fight for the title."

Volkanovski has claimed his wrestling can neutralize Tsarukyan's grappling and prevent takedowns. Tsarukyan fired back by pointing to the Australian's knockout loss to Islam Makhachev in their lightweight rematch. "He said Islam Makhachev cannot knock him out, too," Tsarukyan added.

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 the second time. Tsarukyan expects his next assignment to be for gold regardless of who stands opposite him, naming Gaethje or another contender if the champion walks away.