UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski recently defended his title in Abu Dhabi, securing a technical knockout (TKO) against Movsar Evloev in the main event of UFC 333. The championship defense was completed in under 10 minutes against the previously-unbeaten Evloev. Volkanovski, who is 38 years old, later disclosed to media in Abu Dhabi that he had battled an illness leading up to the fight but chose not to withdraw, underscoring his determination. Despite the challenge, he maintained dominance throughout the bout.
Following his successful defense, Volkanovski indicated his intention to continue competing in title fights. He also openly discussed the possibility of a significant "superfight" in the future, potentially as his retirement bout. During post-fight remarks in the Octagon, Volkanovski stated, "I’m choosing to do (fight); I don’t have to." He further suggested that if he did not sustain significant damage, he would likely continue his fighting career.
Reporters pressed Volkanovski on whether he would consider a superfight against UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje, assuming Gaethje does not retire. Volkanovski expressed a clear interest in such an encounter, detailing his vision for a unique event. He emphasized his commitment to fairness and to avoiding delays in the divisions. "I don't want to hold divisions up," Volkanovski stated, before adding his belief that a superfight could be arranged without causing such delays.
Volkanovski elaborated on the significance of a potential match-up with Gaethje, suggesting it could serve as a retirement fight for both champions. He described it as a "superfight" between two 38-year-olds, where they would "leave it all" before allowing younger contenders to compete. He stated that securing such an opportunity would be compelling enough for him to retire, regardless of the outcome. "That’s something I would retire for," Volkanovski affirmed, noting that if he were to win and then vacate the title, it would not impede the progression of other fighters in the division. He added that if another lightweight title fight were to materialize, having previously lost two such opportunities against Islam Makhachev in 2023, he would be content to retire afterward. Otherwise, he plans to approach his career on a fight-by-fight basis.
The prospect of a fight with Volkanovski hinges on Justin Gaethje's future plans, as Gaethje has yet to announce his next move. Gaethje recently achieved undisputed gold in a unification fight against Ilia Topuria in Washington, D.C., in June. This victory followed his win of the interim title against Paddy Pimblett five months prior. The timeline for a potential Volkanovski-Gaethje fight remains uncertain, particularly as Volkanovski has already competed twice this year, having regained a then-vacant title in 2025.