Michael Bisping has voiced strong opposition to a potential superfight between Justin Gaethje and Alexander Volkanovski, arguing that such a bout would create administrative chaos in the UFC’s lightweight division. Speaking on his “Believe You Me Podcast,” the former middleweight champion highlighted that the lightweight rankings are currently clear, with Arman Tsarukyan established as the No. 1 contender. Bisping noted that both Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway, who have previously defeated Gaethje, are also active and waiting for their opportunities, making a crossover fight with the featherweight champion detrimental to the division’s momentum.
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Volkanovski, who successfully defended his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi, has made his intentions clear: he wants a third crack at the lightweight belt. With a record of 29-4 in MMA and 16-3 in the UFC, the Australian star remains eager to challenge Gaethje (28-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC). Volkanovski even stated he is willing to face Arman Tsarukyan if Gaethje decides to retire, signaling his determination to secure a legacy-defining win at 155 pounds despite having already lost two previous title shots in that weight class.
Bisping, while expressing deep respect for Volkanovski’s career and calling him “the man,” believes the fighter has already had sufficient opportunities to establish himself as a lightweight champion. “Volkanovski, does he deserve a third shot? I’m not saying he does or he doesn’t, but he’s already had two shots at becoming a lightweight champ,” Bisping stated. The former champion argues that prioritizing a superfight over the natural order of the lightweight rankings would be a one-way legacy move for Volkanovski that unfairly sidelines deserving contenders like Tsarukyan and Holloway who are currently active and ready to compete.
Source: Yahoo Sports
