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UFC Star Prefers Gaethje vs. Volkanovski Instead of Tsarukyan

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje’s next opponent remains a hot topic, and UFC star Renato Moicano has weighed in with a bold preference: he’d rather see Gaethje face Alexander Volkanovski than the current No. 1 contender, Arman Tsarukyan.

Moicano’s stance stems from the narrative potential of a clash between two former champions, citing Volkanovski’s dominant performances against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 and Diego Sanchez, as well as his strong showing in a title eliminator against Islam Makhachev. Despite losing that bout, Volkanovski’s resume—including his knockout victory over Evloev—makes him a compelling matchup for Gaethje, Moicano argues, over Tsarukyan, who recently stunned Rustam Khabilov with a striking display.

While rankings dictate Tsarukyan should be next, Moicano believes the UFC could prioritize fan appeal, given Volkanovski’s star power and Gaethje’s hunger for a title shot against a top-tier opponent. Though Moicano predicts Tsarukyan would likely defeat Gaethje if they met, he insists the Volkanovski fight would be the more compelling spectacle for the sport’s future.

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