“So many good fights,” Alexander Volkanovski eyes Justin Gaethje after Islam Makhachev fight highlighting exciting lightweight talent pool

Alexander Volkanovski eyes thrilling future at lightweight, while Justin Gaethje's BMF reign raises questions about the division's next move.

“So many good fights,” Alexander Volkanovski eyes Justin Gaethje after Islam Makhachev fight highlighting exciting lightweight talent pool

Alexander Volkanovski set sights on Justin Gaethje after Islam Makhachev (Image via: Imago)

Alexander Volkanovski recently did an interview with Farah Hannoun of MMA Junkie. Volkanovski talked about the potential fights that he could be part of in the interview. “The Great” replaced Charles Oliveira on 12-day notice to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 294.

At the conclusion of the interview, Hannoun asked Volkanovski about his future plans at lightweight if victorious against Makhachev. “The Great” said, “There is so many good fights at that division. That is what is so exciting about it. So, Justin Gaethje does sound very good and then yeah I’ll give the trilogy, like I’m obviously up for that.”

Justin Gaethje is the current BMF champion. As per Ali Abdelaziz, Gaethje is next in line for the lightweight title. However, Islam Makhachev has stated on record that Charles Oliveira should fight Justin Gaethje for the number one contender spot.

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Makhachev’s future plan is very different than that of Volkanovski. He wants to face the winner of the UFC 296 welterweight title fight between Colby Covington and Leon Edwards. He has cited his difficulty in cutting down to lightweight as a reason. Moreover, the title of a double champion helps in his pound-for-pound ambitions. Who will fight for the lightweight title next is still uncertain. Gaethje is in Abu Dhabi and is expected to sit cage-side for the event.

Justin Gaethje won the BMF title at UFC 291 in Salt Lake City. Gaethje knocked out Dustin Poirier with a head kick in the second round of the main event. The fight was a rematch of their previous encounter that saw Poirier winning by TKO in round 4. Currently, Gaethje ranks 2nd in the division, with Poirier following in third. Charles Oliveira holds the top rank in the division.

Related: “If roles were reversed…fight is not happening!” Alexander Volkanovski boldly claims Islam Makhachev would never accept 12-day notice fight

Alexander Volkanovski believes he is good at trilogy fights

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie’s Farah Hannoun, Alexander Volkanovski expressed his interest in a trilogy fight with Makhachev. Volkanovski has already predicted that he would win the UFC 294 title fight via early stoppage.

Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, Ilia Topuria
Alexander Volkanovski , Max Holloway, Ilia Topuria (Image Courtesy- Forbes, MMA Fighting)

Volkanovski’s future plans were also discussed. He cited an interest in fighting Justin Gaethje followed by a trilogy with Makhachev. “The Great,” said, “I’ve done a done a Trilogy before and I’ve been pretty successful at them.” Volkanovski was referencing his trilogy with Max Holloway at featherweight. He won all three bouts via decision. The first and second fight was close but in the third fight, Volkanovski thoroughly outclassed Holloway.

Before committing to UFC 294, rumors suggested Volkanovski would fight Ilia Topuria at UFC 297. With the change of plans, rumors are circulating about Topuria fighting Holloway for an interim title. However, no official announcement has been made about it.

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