Moicano On Tsarukyan's Title Shot Vs Volkanovski Bout

Renato Moicano believes Arman Tsarukyan will become the next UFC lightweight champion, but would prefer to see Justin Gaethje take a different fight first.

Moicano told MMA Fighting that Tsarukyan presents a terrible matchup for Gaethje, the current 155-pound titleholder who upset Ilia Topuria at UFC White House in June. The Brazilian lightweight fights Tom Nolan this Saturday at UFC Vegas 123.

Why Volkanovski Vs Gaethje Makes More Sense

Tsarukyan has won three straight since his withdrawn title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, most recently stopping Mauricio Ruffy with a spectacular knockout at UFC 331. Moicano praised the performance and predicted a difficult night for Gaethje should the two meet. "Arman is right now… after what he did to Ruffy, that was crazy," Moicano said, per MMA Fighting. "I think Ruffy is a better striker than Gaethje."

The path may not be clear, though. Alexander Volkanovski knocked out Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 and has since floated the idea of fighting Gaethje in a double-retirement bout, with both men vacating their belts afterward. Moicano called the scenario appealing from multiple angles, including for Gaethje himself, who would face a more favorable opponent than Tsarukyan. He noted the UFC prioritizes narrative over pure rankings, and Volkanovski's history with Makhachev adds layers to the story.

Moicano acknowledged the injustice to Tsarukyan, who has been the consensus number-one contender for months, but said fan interest might override the merit debate. "I would rather watch Volk than Arman, to be completely honest," he admitted. "UFC does what the fans want to watch, so maybe that could happen."

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Renato Moicano: Arman Tsarukyan ‘is the next champion,’ but would rather watch Alexander Volkanovski fight Justin Gaethje | MMA Fighting