Volkanovski Pitches Gaethje Double Retirement Superfight After UFC 333

Alexander Volkanovski's case for a lightweight superfight just got a lot stronger. The featherweight champion dominated Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, stopping the previously unbeaten challenger in the second round. Now he wants the biggest possible send-off.

Before UFC 333, Volkanovski laid out his vision on the WhoTheFookPod and in an interview with MMAjunkie. He proposed a champion vs. champion superfight against lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje, with both men walking away from the sport afterward.

"Let's do a superfight, lightweight title on the line," Volkanovski said. "Then, straight after that, let the division sort themselves out. Let's make that happen."

Volkanovski framed the bout as a historic moment. "I think that would be a cool story that's never been done," he said. The 38-year-old has consistently said he doesn't want to hold up either division. "Me still being a champion holds up the division," he acknowledged, arguing that a decisive final act would free both weight classes to move forward.

Gaethje won the undisputed lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250 in June, stopping Ilia Topuria in the fourth round. He is currently serving a 180-day medical suspension for hand and knee injuries sustained in that fight and reportedly wants to return in early 2027. Contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira are waiting in line at 155 pounds.

Volkanovski recently signed a new UFC contract and said he "could easily do three more fights," but indicated he would cut the deal short for the right opportunity. He has lost twice to Islam Makhachev in previous lightweight title bids, but Gaethje now holds the belt, and Volkanovski sees a cleaner path to double-champ status.

His TKO of Evloev on Saturday was his third consecutive featherweight title defense in his second reign, tying Jose Aldo for the most title fight wins in UFC featherweight history. The ball is in Gaethje's court.