Alexander Volkanovski Calls for Lightweight War with Justin Gaethje, Says Arman Tsarukyan Might Miss Out Again Because He’s Not a Company Man
Current and two-time UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski could move up to 155 pounds once more in pursuit of two-division glory.
While “The Great” currently has unfinished business in the 145-pound division and will be taking on top and undefeated contender Movsar Evloev, potentially later this year, Volkanovski recently showed interest in locking horns with newly minted undisputed 155-pound titleholder Justin Gaethje.
Gaethje dethroned Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 by TKO. The 37-year-old has already fought twice this year and thus plans to fight again next year following recovery and rehabilitation. The Highlight” would most likely be facing top contender Arman Tsarukyan next.
Alexander Volkanovski says he has not earned another lightweight title shot yet, but if the UFC offers him one, he is 100% game
Alexander Volkanovski’s previous two outings at lightweight came against then-155-pound champion Islam Makhachev. Their first meeting was a closely contested fight that Makhachev won by decision. The second came on short notice for Volkanovski, in which the Russian fighter knocked him out cold in the first round with a head kick.
In a recent video, Volkanovski stated that he has business to attend to as the featherweight champion. But if the UFC were to offer him a title fight against Justin Gaethje, he said he would gladly accept it.
“People ask me if I would do it? [go up and fight for the lightweight belt] Of course I would… I am not going to call for it. That is the type of champion I am. I think you need to earn it. But if the UFC were to offer it. Of course. Say. Two 38-year-old fellas go at it in the lightweight division… 100% I would.”
Lastly, the Aussie added that Arman Tsarukyan deserves a lightweight title shot next. But the Armenian fighter’s nonstop antics, including not being present for the UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins and instead competing under the RAF banner, even though he was the official backup for the White House main event, could once more be another reason why he is denied the title opportunity. Alexander Volkanovski added:
“Arman should be next, but when you are not doing what the UFC wants you to do, you are not going to be a company man; you can be punished for it. We will see what happens.”
Check out Alexander Volkanovski’s comments below:
