Alexander Volkanovski Proposes Stunning Double-Retirement Fight to Justin Gaethje
Alexander Volkanovski has proposed a lightweight title super fight against Justin Gaethje that would serve as a joint retirement bout for both fighters.
Justin Gaethje, 37, secured a shocking upset with a spectacular fourth-round TKO of Ilia Topuria in the historic main event of UFC Freedom 250. However, in that fight, he suffered significant hand and left knee injuries, resulting in a 180-day medical suspension that sidelined him for the rest of the year.
Given that setback, he has expressed a desire to return to the Octagon in early 2027, temporarily leaving top contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira waiting in a crowded 155-pound title picture.
Amid this scenario, a champion from another division has offered an answer. Few days before his own title defense in Abu Dhabi, Alexander Volkanovski suggested a career-ending idea that involves the lightweight belt and a mutual exit for both champions.
Alexander Volkanovski Pitches Lightweight Title Superfight to Gaethje
Volkanovski proposed a lightweight title fight against Gaethje as a potential send-off for both veteran fighters. Speaking on the WhoTheFookPod, he noted that few fights remain in his storied career and suggested the 155-pound division could sort its hierarchy out after their clash.
"Let's do a superfight, lightweight title on the line and then we can both ," Volkanovski said. "Then, straight after that, let the division sort themselves out. Let's make that happen."
The intriguing idea arrived as Volkanovski put the finishing touches on his camp. At 38 years old, Volkanovski is 28-4 and in his second featherweight title reign. He won the vacant belt by unanimous decision over Diego Lopes at UFC 314 in April 2025, then beat Lopes again at UFC 325. While he holds two previous lightweight title losses to Islam Makhachev, his legacy at 145 pounds remains dominant.
Gaethje entered UFC Freedom 250 at 27-5 with two previous interim belts but no undisputed title. Defeating Topuria made him the oldest undisputed lightweight champion in UFC history.
Their styles perfectly fit a retirement send-off. Volkanovski relies on high-volume striking, wrestling and deep cardio. Gaethje counters with relentless forward pressure, heavy calf kicks and one-punch finishing power.
Ripple Effects of Potential Superfight
Booking this champion-versus-champion fight would freeze both divisions. It forces top contenders like Tsarukyan or Oliveira to wait even longer on the sidelines, especially with Oliveira already scheduled to defend his BMF title against Diego Lopes at UFC 335 on Dec. 12.
Besides, this massive matchup only happens if two things go right. Gaethje has to actually want one last fight, since he is already thinking about his retirement. And Volkanovski has to win at UFC 333 against Movsar Evloev, a dominant Russian who is a perfect 20-0 overall and 10-0 in the UFC.
Matchmakers made Evloev wait years for this shot because he always goes to a decision and lacks finishes. If Volkanovski slips up here, the Gaethje dream fight is dead.
