Movsar Evloev has asserted that the UFC featherweight championship belongs to him, amid growing interest from Arman Tsarukyan, who is considering moving down a weight class to challenge for the belt. This development unfolds as the lightweight division experiences shifts following Justin Gaethje’s recent interim title victory.
Arman Tsarukyan Eyes Featherweight Championship as New Goal
Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked as the number two contender in the lightweight division, has indicated his intention to drop to featherweight if he cannot secure an immediate title shot at 155 pounds. Following Justin Gaethje’s ascent to interim lightweight champion and rise to the top rank, Tsarukyan expressed a desire to compete against Alexander Volkanovski, the two-time UFC featherweight titleholder, should a lightweight fight not materialize soon.
Tsarukyan made his intentions clear in a recent statement:
“I’m gonna try to get the title at 145. We did the math, so my body can go to 145.” – Arman Tsarukyan
Movsar Evloev Upholds His Claim to the Featherweight Crown
Undefeated and ranked among the top contenders at 145 pounds, Movsar Evloev addressed Tsarukyan’s ambitions directly. Speaking candidly during an interview on Submission Radio, Evloev stressed that while they share a friendly relationship, the featherweight belt is firmly under his control. He recommended that Tsarukyan face Jean Silva in the meantime and refrain from challenging the title prematurely.
Evloev explained:
“Better if he [Arman Tsarukyan] fights with Jean [Silva], until I get the title. We trained together with Arman. We’re friends. I don’t want to say anything against him, but the featherweight title is mine, and I don’t want to let anybody even talk about my title.” – Movsar Evloev
Upcoming Matchups Set Path Toward Featherweight Title Shot
Movsar Evloev is scheduled to face the third-ranked Lerone Murphy at UFC London. Both remain undefeated in their featherweight careers, making this bout a crucial step toward a potential title fight against Alexander Volkanovski. The winner is expected to become the next challenger for the featherweight championship later this year.
Meanwhile, Tsarukyan’s route to a title opportunity remains uncertain. Following multiple setbacks in securing a lightweight championship fight, he now awaits the outcome of the lightweight title unification match between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Should Topuria win, he has explicitly ruled out facing Tsarukyan. Conversely, if Gaethje retains the undisputed lightweight title, a defense against Tsarukyan could be possible, but only after a considerable wait.
Featherweight Landscape Faces Intensifying Rivalries and Delays
The interaction between Evloev’s firm claim and Tsarukyan’s ambition highlights a tense dynamic within the UFC featherweight division. Evloev’s insistence that the title is exclusively his sets a high bar for challengers, emphasizing his confidence and determination. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan’s strategic decision to consider dropping weight reflects his drive to capture a championship despite obstacles in the lightweight division.
As Evloev prepares for a pivotal clash at UFC London, the featherweight title picture remains complex and competitive, with significant implications for both contenders’ careers. Fans can anticipate heightened anticipation as these fighters position themselves for future title shots, shaping the division’s hierarchy for the months ahead.
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