Tsarukyan's Coach Welcomes Volkanovski Title Fight

Arman Tsarukyan's head coach says he would welcome a lightweight title fight against Alexander Volkanovski if the former featherweight champion enters the 155-pound picture.

American Top Team's Marcos da Matta told Sherdog this week that Tsarukyan has earned the next shot at Justin Gaethje's belt, but made clear he would be equally comfortable facing Volkanovski if the UFC prefers that matchup. "It will depend a lot on Gaethje and the UFC," da Matta said, per the report. "If Gaethje wants to defend the belt, it's more than proven that the No. 1 who most deserves the title shot is Arman."

Da Matta Open to Either Gaethje or Volkanovski

The Brazilian coach praised Volkanovski's recent knockout victory over an undefeated opponent and referenced Dana White's reluctance to turn down the 38-year-old legend. Da Matta suggested February or March as a realistic timeline for Tsarukyan's return, with interest in a potential UFC card in Florida. "For me, as long as it's a title fight, either one would be perfect," he said. "Our job is to go in there and win."

Tsarukyan has not fought since his last outing earlier this year. The timing of his next bout will depend on whether Gaethje opts to defend against the top contender or if the promotion pursues the bigger-name alternative in Volkanovski moving up.

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — Arman Tsarukyan's coach welcomes Alexander Volkanovski UFC title fight