Alexander Volkanovski proposes a lightweight title send-off superfight with Justin Gaethje in 2027

Two champions near the end of the road could collide for one last belt.

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has floated a lightweight title superfight with Justin Gaethje in 2027. Volkanovski framed it as a send-off for both men after Gaethje said he may have only one fight left.

The pitch

"Imagine that do it as a send-off," Volkanovski said. "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."

Gaethje captured the 155-pound title with an upset finish of Ilia Topuria at the White House in June. He has pointed to Arman Tsarukyan as a likely next challenger and has not committed to fighting past that. Volkanovski wants to change those plans and leave the divisions to sort themselves out afterward.

First things first

Volkanovski still has work at 145. He defends his featherweight title against undefeated Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi. A win would give him a record ninth featherweight title defense passing Jose Aldo. He said he expects to force Evloev to stand and finish the fight.

Been there before

Volkanovski already chased the lightweight belt twice against Islam Makhachev in 2023. He lost a close decision then was knocked out in the first round of a short-notice rematch. He is 28-4. Gaethje is 28-5. Nothing is booked. Both men would still have to agree and the UFC would have to make it.