Alexander Volkanovski open to Justin Gaethje lightweight bout

Alexander Volkanovski would accept a lightweight title shot against Justin Gaethje if the UFC puts it on the table, though the featherweight champion says he is not actively campaigning for the bout.

Gaethje captured the undisputed lightweight title earlier this month with a surprise win over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House, ending Topuria's reign in the 38-year-old's third attempt at the belt. Volkanovski told fans on YouTube that while he would welcome the opportunity to challenge Gaethje, he does not believe he has earned the right to call for it yet.

Volkanovski awaiting his moment for lightweight shot

The Australian noted that he had defended the featherweight strap four times during his first reign before requesting a lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev in 2023. "Of course, I'll do it," Volkanovski said, per Sherdog. "I'm going to call it when I feel like I deserve it. I'm not going to call for it. That's the type of champion I am. I think you need to earn it. But if the UFC was to offer it, of course, see two 38-year-old fellas go at it in the lightweight division? 100%."

Volkanovski gave Makhachev a tough fight in that first double-champ attempt before losing a short-notice rematch via knockout later in 2023. He then dropped the featherweight belt to Topuria before regaining the vacant title against Diego Lopes and defending it in a rematch. Gaethje's win over Topuria opened the 155-pound division after Topuria had moved up following one successful defense.

Volkanovski acknowledged that Arman Tsarukyan should be next in line for Gaethje, though he pointed out that Tsarukyan has been punished for not being a company man. Tsarukyan pulled out of a title challenge against Makhachev last year and recently chose to compete in a wrestling match against Tony Ferguson instead of weighing in as backup for the Topuria-Gaethje bout. No timetable has been set for Gaethje's first title defense.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Alexander Volkanovski open to challenging Justin Gaethje at lightweight