Justin Gaethje next fight: White says Volkanovski is his call after Ilia Topuria win
The UFC president said talks are continuing with the lightweight champion, who suggested his White House win over Ilia Topuria could be his last fight and has yet to reveal his plans.
A champion-versus-champion fight between Justin Gaethje and Alexander Volkanovski now rests with Gaethje, UFC president Dana White has said, with the lightweight champion yet to disclose his plans.
White is backing Volkanovski's call to face Gaethje in 2027, made after the featherweight champion defended his title against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333. He said on The Jim Rome Show: “I would pretty much do anything for Alexander Volkanovski at this point in his career.” On where Gaethje stands, White said: “I don’t know yet… We’re talking to him, but we’ll figure it out. He’s going to have to pull the trigger one way or another.”
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Gaethje finished Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in June to win the undisputed lightweight title, and immediately suggested the bout could be his last appearance in the Octagon. If he carries on, a title defence against Arman Tsarukyan in 2027 is another option.
Tsarukyan's position complicates any move for Volkanovski. He has been snubbed for a title shot before and is regarded as a clear and deserving next challenger. The belt could be vacated to allow Gaethje vs Volkanovski to happen, leaving Tsarukyan to fight a fellow contender for the title.
Volkanovski, 38, has beaten Diego Lopes and Evloev since returning to featherweight title contention, and a Gaethje fight would be his second attempt at success at 155 pounds. He twice challenged Islam Makhachev at lightweight, losing a five-round decision at UFC 284 before taking a rematch on late notice at UFC 294 and being knocked out in the first round.
Those fights meant preparing for Makhachev's smothering wrestling. Gaethje would present a different test as an all-action brawler and one of the most aggressive strikers in UFC history.
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