Alexander Volkanovski, at 38 years old, keeps defying what’s possible, adding another massive win to his legendary résumé this past Saturday at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. He put on one of the most impressive performances of his career, stopping the previously undefeated Movsar Evloev with strikes in the second round. After a victory like that, you’d think the Featherweight Kingpin would just sit back and enjoy it, right? Nah. Volkanovski is already mapping out his next move, and it’s got the entire lightweight division on notice.
The Lightweight Dream and the Gaethje Question
Volkanovski has been clear about his last big goal: getting his hands on the UFC lightweight title. He even promised that if he gets that chance against current 155-pound champion Justin Gaethje, he’d retire afterward, win or lose. That’s a high-stakes play right there, a true all-or-nothing move for his final chapter. The only snag? Gaethje hasn’t decided if he’s going to fight again or hang up the gloves himself. That’s a huge roadblock for Volkanovski’s grand plan, and frankly, it’s gotta be frustrating.
We’ve seen Volkanovski try his hand at lightweight before, losing two title fights to Islam Makhachev in 2023, with the second one coming on short notice. Makhachev has since even snatched welterweight gold. But Volkanovski proved in their first fight he could still give a pound-for-pound king a run for his money despite the size difference. So, when he talks about the lightweight belt, you know he means business.
Enter Tsarukyan: A New Path to Gold?
With Gaethje’s future up in the air, Volkanovski isn’t just sitting around. He’s already proposed a wild alternative for his next opponent: top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan. “If I was in the lightweight division, and I was the champion, I’m fighting Arman 100%,” Volkanovski told Uncrowned. “If Gaethje doesn’t want to do that, I’ll do it. Me versus Arman for the belt. That excites me.” Now, that’s a statement! You have Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett in good spots, but if a title fight is needed, Volkanovski is ready to step up against Tsarukyan.
Even though Tsarukyan is known for his strong grappling, Volkanovski is supremely confident. “Arman’s a great fighter. I would absolutely love that [fight],” he said. “Everyone knows how I do against wrestlers. Everyone knows I can handle wrestlers. I believe that even as good as Arman is, I think he’s one of the best wrestlers and grapplers in the UFC , 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 even noted Tsarukyan’s good stand-up, which promises a “fun fight.” While he’s not sure if the Tsarukyan fight would be his retirement bout, Volkanovski did admit that if either Gaethje or Tsarukyan comes to fruition, he would at the very least vacate his featherweight crown. This champ strives to be a “fighting champion” and doesn’t want to take away opportunities from deserving contenders, which explains his willingness to vacate.
The ball’s in Gaethje’s court, or perhaps Tsarukyan’s, but one thing is clear: Volkanovski, the fighting champion, is ready for his next challenge, whatever it takes to add that lightweight strap to his collection.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply