Alexander Volkanovski says he would give up his UFC featherweight title to fight Arman Tsarukyan for the lightweight belt if Justin Gaethje retires.
The Australian champion has spent weeks calling for a superfight with lightweight champion Gaethje, but told The Ariel Helwani Show he now has a second option in mind, MMA Junkie reported.
“I’ll vacate featherweight belt, fight Arman for the title, there it is,” Volkanovski said. “I’m starting to get more excited for that than the Gaethje fight.”
A two-title plan
Volkanovski said a fight with Tsarukyan, the No. 1 lightweight contender, could run alongside a bout between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria.
“Them two fighting each other, and myself and Arman fighting at the same time. The winner of that ends up fighting the winner,” he said.
Read more: Alexander Volkanovski Would Retire for Justin Gaethje Superfight
Sterling next if he stays at 145
If a lightweight move doesn’t happen, Volkanovski said Aljamain Sterling deserves the next featherweight title shot ahead of Jean Silva, provided Sterling beats Kevin Vallejos next month.
“I like Jean Silva. I like Aljamain, but I believe if Aljamain wins another fight, I feel like Aljamain deserves it more,” Volkanovski said.
‘One hard knock to the brain’
The 38-year-old also admitted his career is nearing its end, Bloody Elbow reported, saying head knocks are now the main thing he is weighing.
“The injuries around the body are okay. The head stuff, I don’t wanna mess around with. One hard knock to the brain, a concussion and that’s that,” he said.
Read more: Alexander Volkanovski Stops Evloev to Retain UFC Featherweight Title
Volkanovski stopped Movsar Evloev in the second round of the UFC 333 main event in Abu Dhabi last weekend to retain his title. The UFC had not announced his next fight at the time of writing.
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