Volkanovski Proposes Gaethje Retirement Fight After 2nd-Round KO for 9th Featherweight Title Win
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Oct 25
Volkanovski Proposes Gaethje Retirement Fight After 2nd-Round KO for 9th Featherweight Title Win
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Oct 25
Summary
Alexander Volkanovski said he would retire win or lose if the UFC grants him a lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje after UFC 333.
The proposal came minutes after the 38-year-old stopped previously unbeaten Movsar Evloev in the second round, his second defense since reclaiming the featherweight belt in April 2025.
That victory gave Volkanovski nine featherweight title-fight wins, a UFC divisional record that moved him past Jose Aldo.
Dana White said Volkanovski has earned unusual freedom in choosing his next bout, opening the door to a return to 155 pounds after two earlier losses to Islam Makhachev.
Volkanovski framed the Gaethje matchup as a one-off superfight between two 38-year-olds that would leave the belt vacant and avoid stalling either division.