Volkanovski targets Tsarukyan or Sterling if Gaethje retirement ends lightweight dream

Alexander Volkanovski has outlined two fallback options for his next fight, with a dream lightweight showdown against Justin Gaethje still uncertain following the champion’s ongoing recovery from injury.

Volkanovski extended his featherweight reign at UFC 333 last weekend, stopping Movsar Evloev in the second round to add another title defence to his résumé. He immediately called for a double-retirement clash with Gaethje, but the pitch has drawn a mixed response from fans who feel lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan is the more logical next challenger at 155 pounds.

Speaking with Ariel Helwani on Wednesday, Volkanovski said he agreed with that logic — and went further, volunteering to vacate his featherweight belt to make the fight happen.

“I do believe Arman should be fighting for the title,” Volkanovski said. “If Gaethje doesn’t want to do that, I’ll do it. That excites me. I’ll vacate the featherweight belt; fight Arman for the title. There it is. I’m starting to get more excited for that than the Gaethje fight.”

Volkanovski was candid about the stylistic challenge Tsarukyan would pose, but confident in his ability to handle it. “He’s one of the best wrestlers and grapplers in the UFC — you ain’t holding me down. Even Arman. I’ve got so much respect for him, but I’m getting back up, and we’re standing and fighting. But he’s got good stand-up, so that’ll be a fun fight.”

He also indicated flexibility on what happens after a potential lightweight title fight, telling the UFC he would be willing to vacate regardless of the result if that is what the promotion requires to move forward.

The entire scenario depends on Gaethje, who has not yet decided whether to retire or defend his belt. The lightweight champion is still recovering from injuries sustained during his win over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House and has said he plans to consult his family about his future in the coming months. If Gaethje opts to stay and face Tsarukyan, Volkanovski said he would turn his attention back to featherweight — and named Aljamain Sterling as his preferred next opponent at 145 pounds.

“I believe if Aljamain wins another fight, I feel like Aljamain deserves it more” than Jean Silva, Volkanovski said, suggesting Sterling’s experience and standing in the division make him the more deserving title challenger should the lightweight path close.