Alexander Volkanovski has an idea for how he and Justin Gaethje could finish their UFC careers.
One last superfight. Two champions hanging up the gloves. And two divisions left to scrap it out over the belts they leave behind.
UFC 333: Volkanovski v Evloev | SUN 25 OCTOBER 5AM AEDT | The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi where Volkanovski is seeking his 7th successful title defense in a highly anticipated match up against the undefeated Movsar Evloev. | Order now on Kayo Sports.
It sounds great, but before anyone starts preparing the Aussie’s farewell, there is something he wants cleared up.
He hasn’t decided which fight will be his last.
Preparing to defend his featherweight crown against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi this weekend, Volk has explained the thinking behind a potential double retirement with lightweight champion Gaethje – one of the most violent fighters in the sport.
Having first floated the idea on the Who The Fook Are These Guys podcast, the Wollongong icon has now clarified that he isn’t putting a deadline on his career.
“I even mentioned being like a retirement fight, and a lot of people are acting like I meant the next fight needs to be the retirement fight. It doesn’t,” Volkanovski told MMA Junkie.
“But at the same time, if that was offered to me, I go out there and do my thing and get my hand raised.”
First comes Evloev.
Should Volk get through the Russian, however, he can see the appeal of a showdown with one of the most entertaining fighters the sport has ever produced.
Especially if ‘The Highlight’ is weighing up whether to go around again.
“I know Gaethje doesn’t really know what he wants to do,” Volkanovski said.
“Well, maybe if you do one more, I can do that with you, and then we go out there, have our superfight, and then vacate the belts after and retire.
“The divisions can sort themselves out while we have our little fairytale superfight ending and sail off into the sunset.”
For Volk, the attraction goes beyond sharing a farewell with the American.
He believes the fight would be big enough without a championship on the line.
“I think that would be a cool story that’s never been done, and you’re not holding up the divisions doing it,” he said.
“I’ve always said I don’t want to hold up divisions.”
The Aussie reckons his departure would also open up opportunities for the contenders chasing his crown.
“If I’m out of the picture, then there’s so many fights they can do for the belt,” he said.
“That’s why I’m like, ‘Maybe the UFC wouldn’t mind that.’
“We could do a superfight, then at the same time let all the other fights happen.”
For now, it remains justan idea.
“I just thought that would be pretty cool and could be something,” Volkanovski said.
“Obviously, a lot of people jumped on it and ran with it, and now I’m getting asked about it quite a bit.”
Meanwhile, footage from the final stages of Volk’s UFC 333 camp has captured a wild moment during a challenge involving two of his training partners.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, training partners identified as Mikey and Casey were put through a gruelling contest after the champ completed his rounds.
“After I finish my rounds, the boys have a challenge,” Volk explained.
“Every time there’s new boys to fight week, we do a challenge. It’s usually quite strenuous.
“It’s a pretty crazy challenge. We get people spewing. We’ve had people pulling hammies.
“We’ve had it all happen, so someone’s going to spew.”
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After 10 minutes of kicking pads, the pair moved to the assault bikes as those around them cheered them on.
The challenge ended when Mikey passed out while on the bike, leaving Casey the winner.
Volk could be heard checking on his training partner.
“Is he alright?” he asked.
“That’s what I mean. It’s like, people go to hospital.”