UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has said he would be willing to fight newly crowned lightweight champion Justin Gaethje if the UFC offered him the matchup.
After suffering consecutive knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, Volkanovski bounced back by recapturing the bantamweight title against Diego Lopes and then successfully defending the belt against the Brazilian in the rematch.
Volkanovski previously attempted to become a two-division champion when he fought Makhachev twice at 155 pounds. Their first bout was highly competitive, but Makhachev prevailed via unanimous decision. However, in their rematch, the Russian made quick work of the Australian, knocking him out in the first round.
Now 38, Volkanovski appears excited by the idea of potentially receiving another shot at the lightweight championship. Speaking about the possibility, he said:
“People ask me if I would do it? Of course I would. Two 38-year-old fellas go at it in the lightweight division.”
Check out Alexander Volkanovski’s comments below:
Alexander Volkanovski Backs Ilia Topuria to Beat Justin Gaethje in Potential UFC Freedom 250 Rematch
During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Alexander Volkanovski stated that he believes Ilia Topuria would defeat Justin Gaethje in a rematch.
Gaethje brutalized Topuria in the UFC Freedom 250 headliner at the White House, forcing ‘El Matador’s’ corner to stop the fight after four rounds.
In the aftermath of the bout, Topuria has made his intentions clear by calling for an immediate rematch. However, Gaethje does not want to grant him that opportunity and believes he should first face someone like Paddy Pimblett. Speaking about the possible outcome of a rematch, Volkanovski said:
“Ilia was a favorite for a reason. If he doesn’t rush as much, fights at a little bit better distance, he’ll eventually find him.”
Check out Alexander Volkanovski’s comments below:
Alexander Volkanovski believes Ilia Topuria would beat Justin Gaethje in a rematch:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 17, 2026
"Ilia was a favorite for a reason. If he doesn't rush as much, fights at a little bit better distance, he'll eventually find him."
(via @arielhelwani)
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