Volkanovski would take Tsarukyan as lightweight champion: “That excites me”
Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is offering himself for a title fight against Arman Tsarukyan – if Justin Gaethje doesn't want it. “You ain't holding me down,” he says.
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After his title defence against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333, Alexander Volkanovski has named another target at lightweight. Speaking to Ariel Helwani, the Australian said of Arman Tsarukyan: “If I was champion at lightweight, I'm fighting Arman.” He added: “If Gaethje doesn't want to do that, I'll do it. That excites me.” Helwani posted the comments on X on October 28; Sherdog reported on Thursday.
Volkanovski had recently called for a fight with lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, but acknowledges that Tsarukyan deserves the next title shot. Tsarukyan knocked out Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in September. According to Sherdog, Gaethje has been unsure about his future since winning the title at UFC Freedom 250.
On a possible fight, Volkanovski said: “I think he's one of the best wrestlers and grapplers in the UFC, but you ain't holding me down.” He has great respect for Tsarukyan, “but I'm getting back up, and we're standing and fighting.” Volkanovski has fought for the lightweight title twice, losing both times to Islam Makhachev.