UFC president Dana White has expressed openness to booking a lightweight superfight between champions Alexander Volkanovski and Justin Gaethje. Yahoo Sports reported that White is willing to accommodate the matchup if both fighters want it, as Volkanovski seeks the biggest fights possible while his career winds down.
Why Is Dana Open to Volkanovski Versus Gaethje?
Speaking to Main Event ahead of UFC 333, Dana White revealed that he is open to booking fights that champions want before they hang it up. “When a guy gets to his level, there isn’t too many things we’d say ‘no’ to him about,” White said regarding the 38-year-old Volkanovski. “If he’s got things he wants to do before he hangs it up, I’m sure we’ll be very supportive.” Both Volkanovski and Gaethje are 38 years old, and the featherweight champion has stated he wants to move up to 155 pounds to secure high-profile bouts before retirement.
What Does Movsar Evloev Have to Do With the Superfight?
The potential matchup depends heavily on the outcome of this weekend’s fights. Yahoo Sports reported that Volkanovski first needs to defeat Movsar Evloev in the main event of UFC 333 to make the Gaethje bout realistic. If Volkanovski wins, the path clears for the lightweight clash, though Gaethje faces his own competitive hurdles within the division.
Will Justin Gaethje Step Back Into the Octagon?
Gaethje has not confirmed whether he will fight again following a violent TKO victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in June, a bout where he sustained damage to both hands. Yahoo Sports noted that if Gaethje decides to return, he will likely have to fight No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan for his next title defense before any superfight with Volkanovski can materialize.
Justin Gaethje Defeated Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250
When did Justin Gaethje defeat Ilia Topuria?
Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria via a violent TKO at UFC Freedom 250 in June, a fight where he suffered damage to both hands.
Dana White is open to the idea of Alexander Volkanovski moving up to lightweight to fight Justin Gaethje 👀"When a guy gets to his level, there isn't too many things we'd say 'no' to him about. If he's got things he wants to do before he hangs it up, I'm sure we'll be very…
— https://x.com/ChampRDS/status/2113673847220142150
What event precedes Alexander Volkanovski’s potential title pursuit?
Volkanovski must face Movsar Evloev in the main event of UFC 333 before a potential matchup against Justin Gaethje can be seriously considered by the promotion.
What weight class would the superfight take place in?
The proposed matchup would take place at 155 pounds, with featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski moving up to challenge lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.
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