Alexander Volkanovski recently named two alternate opponents he would consider fighting if his plan to face Justin Gaethje doesn’t materialize.
Volkanovski beat Movsar Evloev via an incredible second-round TKO in a featherweight title fight at UFC 333 last weekend. In the aftermath, the Australian opened up about his desire to face Gaethje in a potential double-retirement clash with the lightweight title on the line next.
While many are intrigued by a possible Gaethje-Volkanovski showdown, others have pointed out that Arman Tsarukyan is more deserving of a lightweight title fight next and ‘The Great’ could derail his momentum. Additionally, Gaethje has hinted at considering retirement instead of fighting again.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Volkanovski addressed these factors and claimed he was open to facing Tsarukyan at lightweight as well. He said:
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“I do believe Arman should be fighting for the title. If I was in the lightweight division, and I was the champion, I’m fighting Arman, 100 percent. If Gaethje doesn’t want to do that, I’ll do it. That excites me… So if you needed a title fight, Arman and myself. I think that’s great. Can we do that?”
If Gaethje doesn’t retire and chooses to defend the 155-pound title against Tsarukyan next, Volkanovski named Aljamain Sterling as a potential opponent over Jean Silva, saying:
“I believe if Aljamain [Sterling] wins another fight, I feel like Aljamain deserves it more [than Jean Silva]. When we’re talking deserves it more, I’m going to say ‘Aljo.’ Aljo deserves it more… Silva’s in a great position. I think he just needs to wait and see what happens with Aljo.” [H/t: MMA Fighting]
Robert Whittaker previews possible Justin Gaethje vs. Alexander Volkanovski fight
Robert Whittaker recently previewed a potential Justin Gaethje vs. Alexander Volkanovski fight.
In an episode of the MMArcade Podcast, the former UFC middleweight champion backed Volkanovski to beat Gaethje and said:
“No. I want to see him fight Gaethje. I want to see him fight Gaethje, because he beats Gaethje. Yeah, he beats him, man. 100% he does. Both guys would leave it all out there. Both guys leave their gloves out there. It’s a cool way to cement their legacies.”
He added:
“As Dana said, let him do what he wants. The guy has proven his worth and he’s done the work. He hasn’t picked names. He hasn’t played silly buggers with the game or the division. He’s done his work honestly, wholeheartedly. You have to respect him. The dude is an inspiration for sure. Congrats.”
Watch the full video below:
Edited by Nishant Zende.
