Volkanovski seems dead-set on his primary interest in a retirement fight with Justin Gaethje at lightweight, but if Gaethje opts to retire first, the Australian wants to face Arman Tsarukyan for the vacant155-pound title.
Volkanovski defended his featherweight title this past weekend with a dominant stoppage of Movsar Evloev in the main event at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. Following the match, ‘The Great’ was asked about next steps in his career, and whether it was nearing an end. Volkanovski responded by laying out a plan in which he moves up to lightweight once again in an attempt to capture UFC gold in a second weight division against Justin Gaethje, with the match serving as a retirement fight for both of the 38-year-old champions.
At this time, Gaethje has not responded to the callout from the 145-pound champion, but UFC CEO Dana White indicated that is a fight he was interested in exploring if both fighters are on board. As a Plan B, The Australian suggested that he would be interested in squaring off with former champion Ilia Topuria in an attempt to avenge his 2024 loss at UFC 298.
Now, ‘Volk’ has a new thought on the situation, as he revealed in an interview on Wednesday that if Gaethje decides to retire, he wants to square off with the No. 2 ranked 155-pound contender Arman Tsarukyan for the vacant lightweight title. This is a shared interest on the side of Tsarukyan, who made a similar statement earlier. Volkanovski even went as far to say he would vacate his 145-pound title for a shot at the 155-pound belt against the Armenian.
āIāll vacate the featherweight belt and fight Arman (Tsarukyan) for the title. There it is,ā Volkanovski said. āIām starting to get more excited for that than the Gaethje fight.
āIf I was champion at lightweight, Iām fighting Arman. 100 percent. If Gaethje doesnāt wanna do that, Iāll do it. Me versus Arman for the belt. That excites me.
He went on to explain that the matchup is ideal for him after facing so many strong wrestlers throughout his career and finding success in many situations. Volkanovski moved up to lightweight on two separate occasions to challenge Islam Makhachev for the belt, and while he wasn’t able to find success in either outing, he showcased a powerful strategy in defensive wrestling that kept him from being controlled like so many former opponents of the now-welterweight champion.
āEveryone knows how I do against wrestlers,ā he continued. āEveryone knows I can handle wrestlers. I think heās one of the best wrestlers and grapplers in the UFC, but you aināt holding me down.
āIāve got so much respect for him, but Iām getting back up, and weāre standing and fighting. Heās got good stand-up too, so thatāll be a fun fight. I think weāre starting to figure some sā out.ā
Volk: āIf I was champion at lightweight, I’m fighting Arman. 100%.
If Gaethje doesn’t wanna do that, I’ll do it. Me versus Arman for the belt. That excites me.
Everyone knows how I do against wrestlers. Everyone knows I can handle wrestlers. I think he’s one of the best wrestlers and grapplers in the UFC, but you ain’t holding me down.
I’ve got so much respect for him, but I’m getting back up, and we’re standing and fighting. He’s got good stand-up too, so that’ll be a fun fight.
I think we’re starting to figure some shit out.ā
ā Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 28, 2026