UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has pitched a non-title superfight and simultaneous double retirement against lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje.
Defending Featherweight Gold Against Movsar Evloev in Abu Dhabi
Alexander Volkanovski puts his featherweight title on the line against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev on October 24, headlining UFC 333 on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, Yardbarker reported. Evloev enters the matchup with an unblemished 20-0 professional record, including a 10-0 mark inside the UFC, relying on a relentless wrestling attack and suffocating pace. MMA Fighting noted that a victory would give Volkanovski his ninth title defense, allowing him to surpass Jose Aldo for the most featherweight title defenses in UFC history.
Chasing Lightweight Gold and a Double Retirement
Should Volkanovski defeat Evloev, the 38-year-old champion has his sights set on a 2027 matchup with lightweight king Justin Gaethje, according to MMA Fighting. Gaethje captured the 155-pound title by stopping Ilia Topuria, according to Bloody Elbow. With both fighters nearing the end of their careers, Volkanovski pitched a fairytale ending on the “WHO THE FOOK ARE THESE GUYS?” podcast, suggesting they clash in a superfight and vacate their respective belts afterward. Let's do a superfight, lightweight title on the line and then we can both [retire],
Volkanovski said, as quoted by Bloody Elbow. Then, straight after that, let the division sort themselves out.
Let's make that happen.
Volkanovski is 38 years old, and Gaethje reaches the same age in November. Volkanovski clarified to MMA Junkie that his next bout does not need to be a retirement fight, explaining that a double retirement could occur if Gaethje takes one more bout beforehand. Volkanovski noted that they have a combined 65 professional fights, and that a non-title or lightweight title superfight would allow them to sail off into the sunset without holding up the weight classes, as vacating the titles would leave the divisions open for other contenders.
Alexander Volkanovski offers idea of double retirement bout vs. Justin Gaethje after #UFC333 (via @Farah_Hannoun) https://t.co/Zv2s1QJYId
Weighing Division Contenders and Past Octagon Setbacks
Volkanovski previously came up short in two bids for lightweight gold against former champion Islam Makhachev, losing a tight decision at UFC 284 in February 2024 before suffering a first-round knockout loss on short notice at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, as detailed by Yardbarker. Arman Tsarukyan waits in the wings following a first-round knockout win over Mauricio Ruffy, while BMF champion Charles Oliveira holds major momentum ahead of his December 12 bout against Diego Lopes. Paddy Pimblett and rematches with Ilia Topuria also remain high-profile options for the lightweight kingpin.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Alexander Volkanovski fighting next?
Volkanovski defends his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev in the main event of UFC 333 on October 24 on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, as reported by Yardbarker.
Who holds the UFC lightweight championship?
Justin Gaethje holds the lightweight title after defeating Ilia Topuria, according to Bloody Elbow and MMA Fighting.
What is Volkanovski’s record in lightweight title bouts?
Volkanovski holds an 0-2 record in 155-pound championship fights, having suffered losses to Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 and UFC 294, as documented by MMA Fighting.
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