Volkanovski names Tsarukyan as Gaethje alternative

Alexander Volkanovski has a backup plan if his desired fight with Justin Gaethje falls through.

Alexander Volkanovski reignited the debate over the GOAT in the featherweight division on Saturday night by dominating Movsar Evloev. The Australian defended the takedown attempts very well and ultimately won the bout via TKO in the second round.

At 38 years old, however, Alexander Volkanovski knows that his career is slowly coming to an end. That’s why he has a clear idea of who his final opponent should be: Justin Gaethje. Alexander Volkanovski wants to fight him for the title and would even be willing to put his featherweight belt on the line for it. White was open to the idea, but Justin Gaethje has not yet commented on it.

Should Justin Gaethje remain inactive for much longer, Alexander Volkanovski already has a backup in mind: Arman Tsarukyan. He told Yahoo that he can definitely see himself facing Arman Tsarukyan in the ring as well.

“Arman’s a great fighter. I would absolutely love that [fight]. Everyone knows how I do against wrestlers. Everyone knows I can handle wrestlers. I believe that even as good as Arman is, I think 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"

said Alexander Volkanovski.

Arman Tsarukyan initially seemed open to the fight, but it’s not necessarily his first choice since he wants to finally compete for the lightweight title.

A joint retirement fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Justin Gaethje would be a huge deal. However, Arman Tsarukyan would once again be the one who’d have to sit this one out. Do you think that’s fair?