Alexander Volkanovski is set to put his 145-pound title on the line against Movsar Evloev this weekend at UFC 333, but it seems there are potential future plans for him to fight lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.
Volkanovski moved up to 155-pounds on two occasions to challenge Islam Makhachev, who held the lightweight crown at the time. In their first meeting in 2023, the Australian fell short on the judges’ scorecards by a narrow margin, but was then stopped in dramatic fashion in their rematch later that year. With two failed attempts at capturing a title in a second weight division, many had felt Volkanovski’s dream of becoming ‘double champ’ would never become a reality.
Now, the possibility of ‘The Great’ achieving his goal is once again open, as Dana White revealed earlier this week that he would be interested in Volkanovski moving up once more to face current lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje. White indicated that Volkanovski has achieved so much in the sport, and with the promotion, that at this point he is pretty much able to call his shots, within reason of course.
âIf he wins again tomorrow, this guyâs accomplished so much, itâs hard to say no to a guy like that,â White said of Volkanovski’s future fight options during a livestream on Friday.
Gaethje most recently squared off Ilia Topuria this past June at UFC Freedom 250, stopping the former champion at the end of round-4, and capturing the 155-pound belt. After the grueling match on the South Lawn of the White House, Gaethje revealed that he does not intend to defend his belt before 2027, and at this time there is no firm information surrounding his first opponent as champion.
Re: Volkanovski wanting to move up, Dana White tells Nina Drama: “If he wins again tomorrow, this guy’s accomplished so much, it’s hard to say no to a guy like that.” https://t.co/R1xYTRhE3g
â Jed I. Goodman Š (@jedigoodman) October 23, 2026