Alexander Volkanovski continues to defy the odds as a 38-year-old UFC champion.
The reigning underdog added another name to his all-time greats at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi this past Saturday. Volkanovski, previously undefeated against Movsar Evloev, scored one of the most impressive victories of his illustrious career, pinning Evloev in the second round.
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Volkanovski said in Saturday’s post-fight press conference that the last big goal on his list is the UFC lightweight title. If he had the chance to try, Volkanovski promised that he would come back later, win or lose.
Days later, Volkanovski’s lightweight title fight still put his choice on his next move, he said on Wednesday’s edition of “The Ariel Helwani Show.” But 155-pound champion Justin Gaethje still hasn’t decided whether he’s going to fight again or retire. So, Volkanovski proposed an alternative for his next opponent: Top lightweight competitor Arman Tsarukyan.
“If I was in the lightweight division and I was the champion, I would punch C Arman,” Volkanovski said after being crowned.
“If Gaethje doesn’t want to do it, I’ll do it. I’m facing Arman for the belt. That’s what moves me. You’ve got Ilia. [Topuria] and Paddy [Pimblett] who are in a great place, but in a great struggle [between them]. If, therefore, a title of battle is needed, Armane and me.
Volkanovski’s last booty hasn’t exactly made his way into light waters – he’s lost two titles most likely against Islam Makhachev in 2023, the second of which came quickly. Makhachev has since won the welterweight gold, but despite the size difference between them, Volkanovski gave the King a pound-for-pound run for his money in the first fight.
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When it comes to lightweights like Tsarukyan, who is also known for his powerful punches, Volkanovski is still confident that he can overcome the challenge.
“Arman is a great fighter. I absolutely love that [fight]” Volkanovski said. “Everyone knows what I do against wrestlers. Everyone knows I can handle wrestlers. I also believe that as much as Arman is, I think he’s the best fighter and fighter in the UFC – it doesn’t hold me back. Arman too.
“I have so much respect for him, but I’m back, and we stand and fight. But it’s good to stop, it’s a fun fight.”
Although Volkanovski said he would take the opportunity to fight Gaethje instead of retiring, he is not sure he would still support Tsarukyan in the mission.
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Volkanovski contended that he was the champion and maintains that he doesn’t want to take opportunities away from other worthy contenders, which is partly why he would accept Gaethje in any potential fight regardless of the outcome.
That said, if either Gaethje or Tsarukyan enjoys it, Volkanovski admits that he will at least leave his featherweight crown.
Alexander Volkanovski needed less than two rounds to handle Movsar Evloev.
(Jeff Bottari via Getty Images)
“The goal is again, I don’t want to take away opportunities,” Volkanovski said. “I want to have a big… [but] Arman’s who is worthy. And you, Paddy and Ilia, you just fought for the titles anyway, right? Thus the two were fighting each other, he and Armanus were fighting at the same time. Then the winner of that ends up fighting the winner anyway.
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“I think we’re going to start figuring something out.”
Even with goals as high as the lightweight title, Volkanovski still faces a loaded lineup of featherweight contenders.
After racking up impressive back-to-back wins, Brazil’s Jean Silva is closer than ever to his first UFC title shot. Meanwhile, fellow contender Kevin Vallejos will take on former champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC Qatar on November 21.
On a successful night, Sterling extended his weight streak to three, placing him in front of the debater, Volkanovski believes.
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“I believe if Aljamain wins another fight, I feel like Aljamain deserves more [than Silva]Volkanovski got it.
“When we talk, he deserves more, I say Aljo.” But who do I think is next? [would be the guy]especially after winning another, taking a fight against a dangerous guy like Kevin.
“Forest is in a great position. I think he will have to wait and see what happens with Aljo.”
Finally, a living legend like Volkanovski could retire today and no one bats an eye. He solidified his place in the history books, especially after winning at UFC 333 which has many already considering him the best thinness of all time.
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The champion is simply happy to still be in a position where he can fight and have the options he does. Essentially, this is the only thing that still has to go.
“I’m happy that the fighter doesn’t need to do this. I’m waiting for the right time [to call it quits]Volkanovski got it.
“Every fight, I take it as I go. Why do we want to do this? Obviously, a paycheck. I will never get paychecks like this ever again. I don’t like doing something that I’m so good at. Not easy, by any means, but the clearest direction to the best paycheck you’re ever going to get.
“But I want to look after my safety. I want to be there for my kids,” Volkanovski continued. “I feel like I’m getting old. Injuries around the body are OK. I don’t want to carry around head baggage. That’s what I’m saying. A hard knock on the brain, a concussion, and that’s it. So I’m looking into this. I’m thinking about all of this.”