UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has publicly proposed a retirement superfight against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. The Australian fighter, widely considered one of the greatest featherweights in history, believes the matchup would serve as an ideal final appearance for both veterans.
Volkanovski, 38, is currently preparing to defend his 145-pound title against the undefeated Movsar Evloev. The championship bout is scheduled to take place at UFC 333 on October 24 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, marking a critical moment in his career.
Speaking on the "Who Da Fook Are These Guys?" podcast, Volkanovski suggested that a clash with Gaethje for the lightweight title would be a fitting conclusion to their time in the Octagon. He noted that both men are nearing their end.
"Imagine that, do it as a send-off," Volkanovski stated during the interview. "Gaethje, Volk. I think he's said that he maybe has one more. That could be a superfight. Let's do a superfight with the lightweight title on the line."
The 37-year-old Gaethje captured the UFC lightweight title in June. While he has not officially confirmed his retirement plans, he has previously expressed uncertainty regarding his future in the sport following his championship victory earlier this year.
Volkanovski has previously attempted to secure the lightweight crown, having challenged former champion Islam Makhachev twice during 2023. His first attempt in February resulted in a narrow decision loss, followed by a first-round knockout defeat in an October rematch.
The featherweight champion believes that a one-off superfight would be an attractive proposition for the UFC. He argued that such a contest would allow both fighters to exit the sport on their own terms while leaving their respective divisions to reset.
"He's said, 'What's the point of doing rematches,'" Volkanovski added. "Let's do a superfight then straight away after, let the divisions sort themselves out. The UFC would be happy for that. Let's make it happen."
Gaethje, who holds a professional record of 28-5, has recently suggested that lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan is the most likely candidate for his next title defense. Volkanovski is now attempting to pivot those plans toward a legacy-defining showdown.
Volkanovski currently holds a professional record of 28-4. His upcoming title defense against Evloev, who enters the cage with an unblemished 20-0 record, represents a significant hurdle before any potential superfight against Gaethje can be seriously considered by the promotion.
The proposal highlights the growing trend of veteran champions seeking high-stakes, legacy-driven bouts as they approach the twilight of their professional careers. Both Volkanovski and Gaethje remain among the most decorated and respected fighters in the entire UFC promotion.
The UFC has not yet commented on the feasibility of the proposed matchup. Any potential booking would depend heavily on the outcomes of Volkanovski's upcoming title defense and Gaethje's own internal decisions regarding his future competition schedule and potential retirement.
For now, the focus for Volkanovski remains entirely on his October 24 assignment in Abu Dhabi. A victory against Evloev would further solidify his standing as a dominant champion before he considers his next career move or potential retirement plans.
The potential for a champion-versus-champion bout continues to generate significant interest among fans and analysts. Should the fight materialize in 2027, it would mark one of the most anticipated matchups in recent combat sports history for the lightweight division.
As both athletes weigh their options, the MMA community awaits further clarification from Gaethje regarding his intentions. The prospect of a "send-off" event remains a speculative but compelling narrative for both the lightweight and featherweight divisions moving forward.
Volkanovski's career has been defined by his technical prowess and willingness to face elite competition. His previous attempts to move up in weight demonstrate his ambition to challenge himself against the best fighters in the world, regardless of the division.
The lightweight division, currently held by Gaethje, remains one of the most competitive weight classes in the UFC. A fight between the featherweight king and the lightweight champion would be a marquee event for any pay-per-view card.
If the fight were to occur, it would likely be marketed as a final showcase for two of the sport's most durable and popular athletes. Both men have contributed significantly to the growth and popularity of the UFC over the years.
The logistical challenge of coordinating such a fight would involve the UFC management, as they look to maintain the integrity of their divisional rankings. However, the commercial appeal of a "send-off" superfight is undeniable for the promotion's leadership.
As the date for UFC 333 approaches, the sporting world will be watching to see if Volkanovski can maintain his championship status. His performance in Abu Dhabi will undoubtedly influence the conversation surrounding his potential future bout with Gaethje.
Join the conversation