Volkanovski Says He Would Retire For Gaethje Bout

Alexander Volkanovski says he would retire from MMA to secure a lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje.

The featherweight champion stopped Movsar Evloev in the second round at UFC 333 on Saturday, finishing the previously unbeaten challenger with ground and pound after a competitive opening frame. Volkanovski told reporters afterward that he would vacate both titles immediately after a Gaethje bout to avoid holding up either division, per MMA Fighting.

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Volkanovski's Plan To Fight Gaethje Without Holding Up Divisions

"That's something I would retire for," Volkanovski said at the post-fight press conference, according to BJ Penn. "Win or lose, retire; then it's vacant, so I'm not holding the division up."

The 38-year-old acknowledged that Arman Tsarukyan has earned number one contender status at lightweight and said he does not want to jump the queue. Volkanovski noted he has always believed fighters should earn their opportunities, but added that his proposed retirement clause would allow the 155-pound division to move forward regardless of the result.

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UFC CEO Dana White has not committed to making the fight but reportedly told media it is difficult to deny a request from one of the sport's greatest champions. Volkanovski returns to action following back-to-back wins after earlier setbacks in the lightweight division.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Alexander Volkanovski would end fighting career for Justin Gaethje bout: “Win or lose, retire”