Diego Lopes welcomes UFC featherweight clash with Arman Tsarukyan amid recent comments

Count Diego Lopes as another featherweight star who would be open to fighting Arman Tsarukyan.

Tsarukyan has been in limbo in the lightweight division despite being a clear No. 1 contender. “Ahalkalakets” and the UFC brass have had some issues, which has prevented another title opportunity. Tsarukyan had a chance to fight for the UFC Lightweight Championship in early 2025, but he was removed from the card hours before the weigh-ins.

His status at 155 pounds has led Tsarukyan to tease a move to the 145-pound weight class. During a chat with reporters at a UFC 325 media day session, Lopes responded to Tsarukyan hinting at a possible move down (h/t MMAJunkie).

“I don’t know if this guy thinks he deserves this fight at 145,” Lopes said. “I think the UFC didn’t give him the fight at 155, I think less at 145. But, I respect him. He’s a great athlete, a great guy. He’s so dangerous, but if he wants to come to the division, I think he has a great fight for him here.”

Reigning UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski has also chimed in on the thought of Tsarukyan competing in his division. “The Great” admitted that fighting Tsarukyan would be a tough challenge. Volkanovski also believes that the likes of Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev would pose threats to his title reign.

Ahead of Saturday, Volkanovski and Lopes will be staying focused on one another. The UFC 325 headliner will be Lopes’ chance to prove he is good enough to not only defeat Volkanovski, but also to capture UFC gold for the first time in his career. For Volkanovski, it’s a chance to close the book on his time with Lopes inside the Octagon.

Volkanovski defeated Lopes via unanimous decision back in April 2025. This will be Volkanovski’s first fight since that vacant title win. Lopes scored a second-round TKO finish over Jean Silva back in Sept. 2025.

Any chance Arman Tsarukyan actually cuts down to the featherweight division? Chat about it in the comment section below.