“That’s Something I’d Retire For” – Alexander Volkanovski Doubles Down on Justin Gaethje Superfight After UFC 333 Win
Alexander Volkanovski added another milestone to his legendary featherweight run at UFC 333, handing Movsar Evloev the first loss of his professional career with a knockout in Abu Dhabi. The victory also marked Volk’s ninth win in a featherweight title fight, moving him past Jose Aldo on the division’s all-time list.
Volkanovski’s speed, precision, and ability to neutralize Evloev’s wrestling proved decisive. The Australian established control early with inside leg kicks before landing crisp jabs and heavy overhand rights to keep the undefeated Russian on the back foot.
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The finish came after Volkanovski connected with a crushing overhand right that visibly hurt Evloev. He immediately unleashed a barrage of follow-up punches, dropping his opponent to the canvas and forcing referee Marc Goddard to intervene with only seconds remaining in the second round.
With another successful title defense under his belt, Volkanovski could now be one step closer to pursuing his ambition of moving up to lightweight for a third attempt at becoming a two-division UFC champion.
Alexander Volkanovski Will Retire After Justin Gaethje Fight if UFC Grants Him Lightweight Title Shot
Ahead of UFC 333, Alexander Volkanovski made no secret of his desire to return to lightweight and challenge Justin Gaethje for the 155-pound title. The Aussie even pitched the matchup as a potential retirement fight for both aging stars, giving them one last chance to compete on the biggest stage.
After picking up his 29th professional win in Abu Dhabi, Volkanovski has only grown more serious about the idea. Speaking at the UFC 333 post-fight press conference, he explained why he believes the matchup could work without disrupting either division.
“I’m an honest guy, and I want it to be fair. I don’t wanna hold divisions up, but I believe that we could do this and not hold the division up. Again, whether it’s both our retirement fights and just put it on the line, which would be cool, a little bit of a super fight.”
While Volk doesn’t want to hold up the featherweight or lightweight title pictures, he admitted that a showdown with Gaethje would be worth ending his career over. The Australian also pointed out that both men are 38 and could leave the sport after one final blockbuster fight.
🚨 Alexander Volkanovski says he wants to move up to fight Justin Gaethje for his retirement fight 👀
“I don’t want to hold divisions up, but I believe we could do this and not hold the divisions up.
That’s something I’d retire for. If they want to give me that opportunity, win or lose I’d retire.”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 24, 2026
“38-year-olds just going at it and then they will leave it all and let all the young fellas sort themselves out. That’s something I would retire for. So if they wanted to give me that opportunity, I’ll retire.”
Volkanovski also made it clear that the outcome wouldn’t change his plans. Whether he wins the lightweight title or comes up short, he would walk away from MMA rather than hold up the division.
“Win or lose, retire, and then it’s vacate so I’m not holding the division up. If I win it and I vacate, right, then you got everyone else fighting anyway. So it’s something I would retire for. Otherwise, I’m just fighting, taking these fight as it goes.”
Alexander Volkanovski Has Already Fallen Short Twice at Lightweight
Volkanovski has tried to become a two-division champion before, challenging Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title twice. Their first meeting took place at UFC 284 in Australia, where Volk pushed the Dagestani champion through a highly competitive fight. Makhachev ultimately won by decision, although many fans felt the Australian had done enough to get his hand raised.
Their rematch at UFC 294 was a different story. Volkanovski stepped in on short notice after Charles Oliveira withdrew from his scheduled title fight against Makhachev because of a cut above his eye. However, the gamble backfired when Makhachev landed a brutal head kick and knocked him out, ending his second attempt at becoming a double champion.
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Now, with Gaethje holding the lightweight title and also facing questions about how much longer he wants to compete, a showdown with Volkanovski could offer both veterans a fitting way to close their careers. Gaethje captured the belt by beating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026, and a final clash with Volk would give the two champions a chance to put everything on the line before calling it a day.
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