Alexander Volkanovsky still eyeing the second division title.
Volkanovski, now 38, is nearing the end of his professional career even as he holds featherweight gold. Therefore, he would like one last chance to jump up to lightweight and challenge the current king, Justin Gaethje. Because “The Highlight” is contemplating retirement himselfVolkanovski is even having a double retirement fight, which could clear the way for two separate divisions.
“Imagine doing it as a send-off,” Volkanovski said on “Who Are These Guys?” podcast (via ESPN). “Gaethje and Volk. I think he’s said he might have another one. It could be a superfight. We’ll do a superfight with the lightweight title. We could eliminate both of them with a crazy superfight. It could be really good.”
Volkanovski continued: “He’s said what’s the point of doing rematches.” So let’s do a superfight (retirement) right after, let the divisions sort themselves out. The UFC would be happy about that. Let’s make it happen.”
Of course, there are plenty of potential obstacles on Volkanovski’s lightweight superfight road map. First of all, he has to take it out Movsar Evloev next week in the main event UFC 333! The undefeated Russian is a tough taskespecially at the end of an illustrious career.
Then there’s the simple problem that Gaethje has plenty of options up to 155 pounds. Arman Tsarukyan has been knocking on the door of a title shot for years, and he’s especially undisputed after his vicious knockout victory Mauricio Ruffy (see here). In addition Charles Oliveira is the reigning BMF champion and is riding a sold-out momentumat the same time Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria rematches also remain high-profile opponents for the reigning lightweight kingpin. Volkanovski vs. Gaethje could be a great fight, but I’m not sure it would sell as many tickets as the other options.
We’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.