Volkanovski Pitches Lightweight Superfight With Gaethje as Final Bout for Both
Alexander Volkanovski proposed a retirement superfight against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje with the 155-pound title on the line.
Alexander Volkanovski wants one more massive fight after UFC 333, and he wants it against Justin Gaethje with the lightweight title on the line.
The UFC featherweight champion laid out the pitch on the Who The Fook Are These Guys podcast, framing it as a farewell bout for both men. "Let's do a superfight, lightweight title on the line and then we can both retire," Volkanovski said, per Bleacher Report. "Then, straight after that, let the division sort themselves out. Let's make that happen."
Volkanovski, 38, has a 28-4 record and is widely considered the greatest featherweight in UFC history. He previously lost two attempts at the lightweight title against Islam Makhachev but believes a Gaethje fight is the right send-off. He noted that Gaethje has hinted at having one more fight left in him. "I think he's said that he maybe has one more. That could be a superfight," Volkanovski said.
Gaethje, 37, upset Ilia Topuria by fourth round TKO at UFC Freedom 250 in June to become the oldest undisputed lightweight champion in UFC history. He is currently serving a 180 day medical suspension for hand and knee injuries and has said he wants to return in early 2027, per MMA Sucka. Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira are waiting as top contenders.
The pitch comes just days before Volkanovski defends his featherweight belt against undefeated Movsar Evloev (20-0) at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on October 24. Evloev is 10-0 in the UFC and represents a serious test. The superfight idea only works if Volkanovski handles business first.
The UFC has not responded to the proposal. Neither fighter has formally committed to retirement.
I love this idea and I think the UFC should jump on it. Two legends, both pushing 40, both still holding gold, going out on their shields together with a title on the line. That's the kind of fight you build a pay per view around.
Volkanovski already proved he belongs at 155 even in losses to Makhachev. Gaethje is coming off the biggest win of his career. Put them in a cage together and let them swing. Neither guy is going to try to wrestle his way to a boring decision.
The catch is that Volkanovski has to beat Evloev first, and that's no layup. Evloev is 20-0 for a reason. But if Volk gets through Abu Dhabi, this is the fight to make. The division can sort itself out later. Let the old dogs have their day.
