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Alexander Volkanovski put on a true masterclass inside the Octagon at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. The reigning featherweight champion delivered one of the finest performances of his career, handing the previously undefeated Movsar Evloev his first professional defeat in the main event. The victory cemented the Australian's status as the greatest fighter in division history and elevated his standing among the pound-for-pound elite.
"I'm absolutely thrilled," Volkanovski said during the post-fight press conference. "I can't wait to watch it back. To stop an undefeated contender of that caliber is a massive achievement. Evloev is an incredible fighter, but I was confident I had the tools to give him serious problems. I wanted the finish, believed I could get it, and we got the job done."
Questions regarding the Australian's next move remain open. While "The Great" expressed his readiness to keep defending his featherweight title, he is openly campaigning for a championship showdown against lightweight king Justin Gaethje. Volkanovski has already come up short twice in his quest for the 155-pound strap, but UFC CEO Dana White admitted that given the Australian's résumé, the promotion would find it hard to deny him anything he wants. Volkanovski believes there is a fair way to make the superfight happen without stalling the rest of the division.
"I'm a fair man and I like to keep things fair," the champion said. "I always say I don't want to hold divisions up, and I think we can make this happen without stalling anyone. It would be amazing if this was a retirement fight for both of us—a superfight between two 38-year-old veterans laying it all on the line, then walking away and letting the younger guys battle it out for the top spots."
"That is a challenge I would happily hang up the gloves for. If they give me that opportunity, win or lose, I will retire. The belt would be vacated, so I wouldn't be holding anyone back, and everyone else could fight for it. That's what would make me walk away. Otherwise, I'll just take it one fight at a time."
Gaethje is not Volkanovski's only option, however. Arman Tsarukyan is widely seen as the next rightful challenger for the lightweight crown. Should Tsarukyan claim the belt first, the Australian is more than willing to face him instead.
"One hundred percent, absolutely," Volkanovski said regarding a potential clash with Tsarukyan. "My only concern is that I've always believed fighters should earn their opportunity. I feel I've earned mine, but there are other guys in that division who have legitimate claims, too. If I can take the fight without halting everyone else's momentum, I'd love to do it. Arman is a fantastic competitor and that would be an incredible fight."
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