What happened: Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan expressed willingness to face featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski next, alleging that 155-pound titleholder Justin Gaethje is holding out for a larger UFC payout before agreeing to defend his belt. The callout follows a campaign from the 38-year-old Volkanovski after his UFC 333 TKO victory to challenge Gaethje at lightweight for the final bout of his career.

Why it matters: Gaethje has yet to schedule his first defense since stopping Ilia Topuria in June to capture the undisputed 155-pound championship. With Tsarukyan waiting as the top contender and Volkanovski pushing for a champion-versus-champion matchup, any prolonged contract impasse at the top of the division opens the door for an interim or crossover booking.

What to watch: UFC matchmakers will determine whether to finalize terms for Gaethje's first lightweight title defense or pivot to a matchup involving Tsarukyan and Volkanovski.