Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw weighed in this week on growing speculation that lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) could attempt a move down to featherweight to challenge reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski (28-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) during a recent appearance on the JAXXON Podcast.
The idea of Tsarukyan cutting to 145 pounds has circulated in recent weeks as fans and fighters debate potential superfights across divisions. Dillashaw acknowledged the intrigue but emphasized the physical risk involved in such a transition for the Armenian standout.
“That'd be a big cut for him,” Dillashaw said. “He's pretty lean and he's big and strong. He can make it, I was just worried about how he's going to perform when he makes it.”
Despite those concerns, Dillashaw suggested that Tsarukyan’s natural size and strength could present serious problems for Volkanovski if the weight cut were managed properly. According to Dillashaw, a healthy Tsarukyan at featherweight could hold a distinct physical advantage over the longtime champion.
“If he could do it healthy, then he'd be a lot stronger than Volk,” Dillashaw said, adding that he would be interested in helping Tsarukyan prepare for the matchup. “And I would love to help him train for that fight. That'd be cool.”
Dillashaw also offered insight into how Tsarukyan would need to approach a potential fight with Volkanovski, stressing that a measured, technical battle would likely play into the champion’s strengths. Volkanovski is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent and dynamic strikers in the sport, with elite footwork and speed.
“You can't point fight him,” Dillashaw explained. “You can't stand outside and point fight him. He's too fast. He's too smart. His footwork's great.”
Instead, Dillashaw believes Tsarukyan should lean into pressure and constant engagement, using his size to disrupt Volkanovski’s rhythm.
“You’ve got to create more motion,” he said. “I’d say chaos. Even though Arman’s got great technique, still create the chaos and get a hold of him and fight.”
