Volkanovski Offers Tsarukyan Vacant Title Fight

Former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has laid out two backup plans if his proposed retirement fight with Justin Gaethje falls through.

Volkanovski, who stopped Movsar Evloev in the second round at UFC 333 over the weekend, initially called for a double retirement bout with lightweight champion Gaethje. But with Gaethje's future uncertain and Arman Tsarukyan waiting in the wings, the Australian told MMA Fighting on Wednesday that he'd be willing to face Tsarukyan for a vacant lightweight belt instead.

Volkanovski Ready To Vacate For Tsarukyan Shot

"I do believe Arman should be fighting for the title," Volkanovski said, per MMA Fighting. "If Gaethje doesn't want to do that, I'll do it. That excites me." He went further, offering to vacate his featherweight championship to make the bout happen. "I'll vacate the featherweight belt; fight Arman for the title," he said. "I'm starting to get more excited for that than the Gaethje fight."

Volkanovski expressed confidence he could handle Tsarukyan's grappling, noting "you ain't holding me down. Even Arman." He acknowledged Tsarukyan's striking as well, saying the matchup would be "a fun fight."

If Gaethje elects to continue fighting and defends against Tsarukyan as expected, Volkanovski indicated his preference at featherweight would be Aljamain Sterling — provided Sterling beats Kevin Holland first. "When we're talking deserves it more, I'm going to say 'Aljo,'" he said, though he acknowledged Jean Silva is also in position for a title shot.

Gaethje is still recovering from his victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House and has said he'll decide on retirement after consulting with his family in the coming months.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Morning Report | Alexander Volkanovski lists two fights he’d like if Justin Gaethje fight can’t happen