Volkanovski Retains Featherweight Title, Eyes Lightweight Retirement Fight
Alexander Volkanovski retained his UFC Featherweight title with a second-round technical knockout of Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on October 24, 2026, in Abu Dhabi. The victory marked Evloev’s first professional loss after an undefeated record. Volkanovski, 38, later expressed interest in a potential retirement fight against Justin Gaethje at Lightweight, a move that UFC CEO Dana White has endorsed.
Volkanovski Plans Retirement After Potential Gaethje Fight
Volkanovski told Yahoo Sports that he plans to retire regardless of the outcome of a hypothetical Lightweight showdown with Gaethje. “I would retire, allowing both divisions to move forward without being held up,” he said. However, if the fight does not materialize, he will focus on the Featherweight division’s next generation of contenders.
The reigning champion highlighted Aljamain Sterling as the strongest candidate for a title shot, provided the former Bantamweight champion defeats Kevin Vallejos at UFC Qatar on November 21. “If Aljamain wins another fight, I feel like he deserves it more than Silva,” Volkanovski said. Volkanovski emphasized Sterling’s need to “take a fight against a dangerous guy like Kevin” to solidify his case.
Sterling’s Path to a Title Shot
Sterling, who has won consecutive Featherweight fights against Brian Ortega and Youssef Zalal, faces Vallejos in Qatar. A victory would extend his winning streak to three and add a high-profile name to his resume. Volkanovski noted that Sterling’s recent performances, including his featherweight debut win over Calvin Kattar, position him as a top contender.
“When we’re talking about who deserves it more, I’m gonna say Aljo,” Volkanovski told Ariel Helwani. However, he acknowledged that a loss to Vallejos would shift focus to Jean Silva, who has earned five performance bonuses in eight UFC appearances.
Volk believes Aljamain Sterling deserves the next featherweight title shot over Jean Silva if he beats Kevin Vallejos:"When we're talking about who deserves it more, I'm gonna say Aljo. Especially after another win, taking a fight against a dangerous guy like Kevin.But if… pic.twitter.com/jlxxldn8kW
Silva’s Case and Fan Appeal
Jean Silva, a hard-hitting Brazilian, has rebounded from a loss to Diego Lopes with back-to-back wins over Arnold Allen and Jose Delgado. His aggressive campaigning for a title shot includes watching Volkanovski’s UFC 333 victory from cageside before declaring, “Great job, legend. I’m next,” on social media.
Despite Silva’s fan appeal, Volkanovski believes Sterling’s recent success and “dangerous” opponent make him the preferred choice. “Silva’s in a great position,” Volkanovski said. “I think he just needs to wait and see what happens with Aljo.”
The Next Steps in the Featherweight Division
The outcome of Sterling’s November 21 fight against Vallejos will determine the next Featherweight title challenger. If Sterling wins, he could face Volkanovski, while Silva’s prospects hinge on a potential loss from Sterling.
Volkanovski Considers Final Fight Against Gaethje
Volkanovski’s potential Lightweight retirement fight against Gaethje would be one final fight against Gaethje.
Who Are the Main Contenders for the Featherweight Title?
Who are the main contenders for the Featherweight title?
Aljamain Sterling and Jean Silva are the top contenders. Sterling’s case strengthens if he defeats Kevin Vallejos at UFC Qatar on November 21, while Silva’s position depends on Sterling’s performance.
What happens if Aljamain Sterling loses to Kevin Vallejos?
If Sterling loses, Jean Silva would become the preferred next challenger, according to Volkanovski’s comments. Silva’s recent wins and performance bonuses highlight his readiness for a title shot.
When is the next Featherweight title fight expected?
The fight is contingent on Sterling’s November 21 bout. Volkanovski has not set a specific date but indicated the decision will follow the outcome of that event.
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