Volkanovski Open to Champ-vs-Champ Fight with Gaethje

Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has expressed interest in a potential champion-versus-champion fight against new lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje, though he acknowledges top contender Arman Tsarukyan is the more deserving next opponent. The development follows Gaethje's stunning fourth-round TKO victory over Ilia Topuria to win the undisputed lightweight championship at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14.

In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Volkanovski stated he would not actively campaign for the fight, believing a fighter must earn such an opportunity. However, he confirmed he would accept it if offered by the UFC. The 37-year-old Australian said he is focused on his duties as featherweight champion, with a title defense against undefeated top contender Movsar Evloev expected later this year.

Volkanovski's previous attempts to become a two-division champion ended in two losses to then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in 2023. Despite this, he remains open to another move to the 155-pound division. He suggested a fight between himself and the 37-year-old Gaethje would be a compelling matchup.

While open to the idea, Volkanovski conceded that Tsarukyan should...