Alexander Volkanovski only enhanced his legendary status as a mixed martial artist on the 24th of October when he manhandled the No.1-ranked contender at featherweight, Movsar Evloev, winning in just the second round of their UFC 333 headline bout at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Typically, UFC champions appear to struggle once they’re beyond the 35-year mark, but Volkanovski, 38, continues to rack up impressive wins since losing the UFC featherweight title to Ilia Topuria in 2024, as he won it back when he outpointed Diego Lopes in 2025, defended it against Lopes in a rematch earlier this year, and has now added Evloev to his impressive list of scalps.
Volkanovski has already triumphed over iconic UFC stars like Jose Aldo and Max Holloway (three times). But with the stocky Australian approaching retirement, he has been consistent regarding the one fighter he has left that he wants to compete against before he hangs up his gloves for good.
Volkanovski Reveals Who he Wants to Fight Next
While there remain ranked featherweights whom he has yet to beat, like No.3-ranked Lerone Murphy, No.4-ranked Aljamain Sterling, and No.5-ranked Jean Silva, Volkanovski can’t help but look to lightweight — a division he’s twice attempted to conquer, failing to Islam Makhachev by decision (2023) and knockout (same year) — for a fresh challenge.
“I don’t want to hold divisions up, but I believe we could do this and not hold the divisions up,” Volkanovski told reporters after UFC 333, referring to a fight against the new UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, who won the belt after destroying Ilia Topuria after four brutal rounds.
“Whether it’s our retirement fight. We put it on the line. A super-fight. Then we’ll leave it all and let the young fellas sort it out.”
“That’s something I’d retire for,” Volkanovski said. “If they wanted to give me that opportunity, win or lose, I’d retire.”
UFC Boss Reacts to Gaethje vs. Volkanovski Possibility
Typically, UFC CEO Dana White is loathed to entertain possible match-ups immediately after an event concludes. But he may have made an exception for Volkanovski.
“I think when you’ve accomplished what he’s accomplished there’s not much we’re gonna say no to with him,” White concluded.
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