Australian UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has proposed an epic superfight against reigning lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, touted as a potential “winner-take-all” showdown to close out both fighters’ careers.
Volkanovski (28-4), now 38, has openly acknowledged that the end of his fighting days may be approaching. Gaethje (28-5-0), just a year younger at 37, has echoed similar sentiments about his own career. With both champions contemplating retirement, Volkanovski’s proposal for a high-stakes bout and if it comes to fruition, could serve as the ultimate send-off for two of the sport’s most respected veterans, potentially taking place next year.
Gaethje enters the conversation with momentum, having recently defeated Ilia
Topuria. In a historic clash at the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House in June, Gaethje forced Topuria to retire at the end of Round 4, capturing the undisputed UFC lightweight championship.
"Imagine that, do it as a send-off," Volkanovski told the "Who Da Fook Are These Guys?" podcast. "Gaethje, Volk. I think he's said that he maybe has one more. That could be a superfight. Let's do a superfight with the lightweight title on the line. We can both see everyone off with a crazy superfight. That could be really good."
Despite floating the possibility of retirement, Volkanovski has not set a definitive date for hanging up his gloves.
In the meantime, his next immediate challenge is defending his 145-pound title against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333, scheduled for October 24 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alexander Volkanovski suggests 'winner-take-all fight' vs Justin Gaethje
