Movsar Evloev is closer than ever to winning UFC gold, and if he pulls it off on Saturday, he wouldn’t mind making his first title defense against Arman Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan has teased potentially moving down to the 145-pound division, but it’s a move many aren’t buying as a realistic option. Still, if there is some smoke to the fire, you will hear no complaints from Evloev.
Speaking to reporters ahead of his UFC 333 clash with Alexander Volkanovski for the 145-pound title, Evloev was asked about potentially trading leather with Tsarukyan. The top contender is all ears if the UFC brass wants to make that fight happen (via MMAFighting).
“In my whole career, I’ve considered zero potential fights, because it was never up to me,” Evloev said. “I fought whoever they gave me, and this time nothing will change. They decide everything. I’m just a gladiator, as primitive as that may sound. We’re here to fight, and we fight when the management wants it. Yes, along the way, we take belts, make money, get popular, all that. We sign up for that ourselves, but we don’t decide anything here, especially me.
“If Arman wants to come down to featherweight, like I said, it’s my territory. Whether Arman comes down or someone moves up, I don’t know, it makes no difference who I fight. Make 145 and we’ll fight, if the UFC wants that fight, of course.”
Many are wondering what the state of the lightweight division is with reigning champion Justin Gaethje out until 2027 due to his hand injuries. Tsarukyan has emerged as the clear No. 1 contender, but whether or not Gaethje prefers that fight as he gets closer to the end of his prizefighting career remains to be seen.
Any chance Arman Tsarukyan actually goes through with a move down to featherweight and fights Movsar Evloev? Sound off in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
