Alexander
Volkanovski is open to fighting Arman
Tsarukyan for the lightweight title if Justin
Gaethje retires.
Gaethje has expressed uncertainty about his future since winning
the
Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight belt at
UFC Freedom 250. Tsarukyan strengthened his case for a title
shot by knocking out Mauricio
Ruffy at UFC
331 in September. Volkanovski, who retained his featherweight
championship against the previously unbeaten Movsar
Evloev at
UFC 333, would welcome a matchup with Tsarukyan if the
155-pound title becomes vacant.
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Alexander Volkanovski explains interest in potential
lightweight title fight
Although Volkanovski has called for a showdown with Gaethje, he
acknowledges that Tsarukyan deserves the next lightweight title
shot. The Australian sees a potential vacancy as an opportunity to
pursue the belt without denying Tsarukyan his chance.
“If I was champion at lightweight, I’m fighting Arman,” Volkanovski
told Ariel Helwani. “If Gaethje doesn’t want to do that, I’ll do
it. That excites me.”
Volkanovski praised Tsarukyan’s wrestling but expressed confidence
in his ability to get back to his feet.
“Everyone knows how I do against wrestlers,” Volkanovski added.
“Everyone knows I can handle wrestlers. I think he’s one of the
best wrestlers and grapplers in the UFC, but you ain’t holding me
down. Even Arman. I’ve got so much respect for him, but I’m getting
back up, and we’re standing and fighting. He’s got good stand-up
too, so that’ll be a fun fight.”
Volkanovski has challenged for the lightweight title twice, losing
both times to Islam
Makhachev.
Volk: “If I was champion at lightweight, I’m
fighting Arman. 100%. If Gaethje doesn’t wanna do that, I’ll do it.
Me versus Arman for the belt. That excites me. Everyone knows how I
do against wrestlers. Everyone knows I can handle wrestlers. I
think he’s one of the best wrestlers and grapplers in the UFC, but
you ain’t holding me down. I’ve got so much respect for him, but
I’m getting back up, and we’re standing and fighting. He’s got good
stand-up too, so that’ll be a fun fight. I think we’re starting to
figure some shit out.”— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani)
October 28, 2026