Movsar Evloev's message for Arman Tsarukyan ahead of UFC 333: make 145

Movsar Evloev, who challenges Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC featherweight title in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, said he would fight Arman Tsarukyan if the lightweight cuts to 145lb and the UFC wants the bout.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Thu 22 Oct, 08:47 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Movsar Evloev has told Arman Tsarukyan that a fight between them is on if Tsarukyan gets down to 145lb and the UFC makes the match.

Evloev was asked at UFC 333 media day about a possible meeting with Tsarukyan, who has hinted in the past at a move down to featherweight. Evloev said featherweight was his territory, and that it made no difference to him whether Tsarukyan came down or another fighter moved up. He added that he has never weighed up potential opponents during his career, because the choice has never been his. He fights whoever the UFC gives him, he said, and described himself as simply a gladiator.

Tsarukyan's own focus remains at lightweight, where he is still hoping for a shot at champion Justin Gaethje. Before that, he wrestles Dillon Danis at RAF 14 on Friday.

Evloev first faces Volkanovski in Saturday's main event in Abu Dhabi. He is unbeaten in 20 professional fights, 10 of them in the UFC, with wins over Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, Diego Lopes and Dan Ige. Volkanovski is 18-1 at featherweight, and Ilia Topuria is the only man to have beaten him in the division.

Evloev said taking the belt would not make him the best featherweight. A win would only be the start of becoming one of the best, he said, and even two title defences would not be enough. His priority, he said, is to settle the title question first and then think about becoming the best featherweight in history.

In this story

Movsar Evloev Arman Tsarukyan Justin Gaethje Lerone Murphy Aljamain Sterling Arnold Allen Diego Lopes Dan Ige