Evloev Invites Tsarukyan To Drop Down For Featherweight Fight

Movsar Evloev has an open invitation for Arman Tsarukyan if the lightweight contender wants to test himself at featherweight.

Evloev, who challenges Alexander Volkanovski for the 145-pound belt at UFC 333 this Saturday, told reporters at media day that he would welcome a drop-down bout with Tsarukyan should the UFC make it happen. "If Arman wants to come down to featherweight, like I said, it's my territory," Evloev said, according to MMA Fighting. "Make 145 and we'll fight, if the UFC wants that fight, of course."

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Evloev's Path To Volkanovski Title Shot

The unbeaten Russian has run through a murderers' row of top contenders to earn his championship opportunity. His 20-0 record includes UFC wins over Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, Diego Lopes, and Dan Ige. The most recent victory over Murphy extended his promotional streak to 10-0.

Tsarukyan currently waits for his next assignment at lightweight, where he expects a title shot against champion Justin Gaethje. The Armenian has previously floated the idea of competing at 145 pounds, though no concrete plans have materialized.

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Evloev downplayed talk of legacy should he dethrone Volkanovski, one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history. He told media that winning the belt would only mark the beginning of his climb toward all-time-great status, and that even two defenses would not be enough to settle the conversation. UFC 333 takes place Saturday night.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Movsar Evloev invites Arman Tsarukyan to drop down for featherweight fight: ‘It’s my territory’