Volkanovski Open to Fighting Tsarukyan for UFC Lightweight Title

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is willing to fight top contender Arman Tsarukyan for the lightweight title if current champion Justin Gaethje steps away. Gaethje, who claimed the 155-pound championship at UFC Freedom 250, has expressed uncertainty regarding his fighting future.

Volkanovski recently defended his featherweight title against the previously unbeaten Movsar Evloev at UFC 333. While the Australian has previously called for a showdown with Gaethje, he acknowledged that Tsarukyan deserves the next opportunity at the lightweight belt after scoring a knockout victory over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in September. If the championship becomes vacant, Volkanovski views it as a way to pursue the 155-pound strap without cutting ahead of Tsarukyan.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Volkanovski made his stance clear regarding a clash with Tsarukyan. “If I was champion at lightweight, I'm fighting Arman,” Volkanovski said. “If Gaethje doesn't want to do that, I'll do it.

Everyone knows how I do against 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.”

Volkanovski has challenged for the lightweight championship twice previously, coming up short both times against Islam Makhachev. A potential matchup against Tsarukyan would give the reigning featherweight titleholder a third opportunity to claim gold in the division.