UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski still wants a shot at the lightweight title, but Justin Gaethje’s uncertain future has opened another path: a title fight with contender Arman Tsarukyan. Volkanovski says he’d leave the featherweight division for either matchup, while weighing any move against his health and family priorities.

Yes, But

Volkanovski says he can handle Tsarukyan’s elite wrestling, but the matchup would be a serious challenge. He has also said a fight with Gaethje would be his retirement bout; he hasn’t made the same commitment about Tsarukyan.

State of Play
  • Gaethje has not decided whether to fight again or retire.
  • Volkanovski says Tsarukyan deserves a lightweight title opportunity if Gaethje is unavailable.
  • At featherweight, Volkanovski views Aljamain Sterling and Jean Silva as leading contenders; Sterling could strengthen his case with a win over Kevin Vallejos on Nov. 21.
What's Next

Volkanovski’s next move depends on Gaethje’s decision and the UFC’s title plans. He says a lightweight fight would mean vacating his featherweight belt, allowing the division’s contenders to move forward.

Bottom Line

Volkanovski is open to one last run at lightweight gold, but no matchup is confirmed—and his health, not just the title, will determine when he walks away.