America’s Top Team
coach Marcos “Parrumpa” da Matta supports potentialUltimate Fighting Championship lightweight title fight between
Alexander Volkanovsky and Arman Tsarukyan.
The longtime coach believes either Volkanovski or the reigning champion
Justin Gaethje would be an ideal opponent for Tsarukyan given that the championship is on the line.
Marcos da Matta says Arman Tsarukyan deserves a lightweight title shot against Justin Gaethje or Aleksander Volkanovski
Speaking to Sherdog on Thursday, da Matta spoke about Volkanovski’s willingness to challenge Tsarukyan for the 155-pound title if Gaethje decides not to defend his belt. The coach insisted that Tsarukyan deserves the next title shot, but welcomed the opportunity to face Volkanovski.
“It depends a lot on Gaethje and the UFC. If Gaethje wants to defend the belt, it’s more than proven that the No. 1 person who deserves a title shot the most is Arman,” da Matta said.
The Brazilian coach was equally receptive to Volkanovski getting into the lightweight title picture.
“As Dana White said himself, it’s hard to say no to Volkanovski,” da Matta noted. “A man who is good at everything he does is undoubtedly one of the legends of the sport and is coming off a beautiful knockout of an undefeated fighter at the age of 38.”
Da Matta suggested February or March as a possible target for Tsarukyan’s return. He particularly liked the idea of a proposed UFC card in Florida where Tsarukyan could face either Gaethje or Volkanovski.
“For me, as long as it’s a title fight, either would be ideal. Our job is to go there and win,” da Matta said.