Dana White Greenlights Volkanovski vs. Gaethje After Makhachev Pulls Out

Dana White gave the green light to a lightweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Justin Gaethje.

The UFC president made the announcement during an appearance on The Jim Rome Show.

But he also revealed a major hurdle that could stop the matchup from happening.

White said the decision ultimately rests with Gaethje.

“You know, I would pretty much do anything for Alexander Volkanovski at this point in his career,” White said.

“Great guy, great athlete, great champion.”

“The big question is: what does Justin Gaethje wanna do?”

The timing of this development is no accident.

Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, recently pulled out of a planned title defense against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 in January 2027.

White confirmed that Makhachev had verbally agreed to the fight before withdrawing.

“Yeah, it was verbally agreed to,” White told The Mac Life.

The champion’s decision forced the UFC to create an interim welterweight title fight between Prates and Michael Morales for the January 30 event.

White expressed frustration with Makhachev’s activity level.

“Being the champ, I don’t really expect you to fight three times a year, but twice would be nice,” he said at a press conference following UFC 333.

The UFC president suggested that financial security might be driving Makhachev’s decision to fight less frequently.

“I think it’s money,” White explained.

“Once you get so much money — when guys are young and hungry, they want to fight a lot because they want to get paid.”

“But once you start to get enough money, you don’t have to fight all the time.”

Makhachev has defended his choice to decline the Prates fight.

He argued that the matchup makes little sense for his career.

The champion pointed out that he recently defeated Ian Machado Garry, who had previously beaten Prates.

According to Makhachev, fighting Prates would add little value to his resume given this chain of victories.

With Makhachev out of the picture for January, the lightweight division is in flux.

Volkanovski, 38, has been talking about a move to lightweight for some time.

He hopes to finally capture the title and become a two-division champion.

Volkanovski has already challenged Makhachev twice for the 155-pound crown.

Their first meeting at UFC 284 was a closely contested affair.

The Australian pushed Makhachev to his limits before losing a decision.

Many fans even felt Volkanovski had done enough to get his hand raised.

Their rematch at UFC 294, however, went very differently.

Volkanovski stepped in on short notice after Charles Oliveira withdrew due to an injury.

He suffered a devastating first-round knockout via head kick.

Now, with Gaethje holding the lightweight title and uncertainty surrounding his future, a potential showdown with Volkanovski could offer both veterans a memorable final chapter.

White made it clear he would have no problem booking Volkanovski against Gaethje for the lightweight championship.

But he stressed that the decision ultimately rests with the American and what he wants to do next.

“Justin, coming off this unbelievable win at the White House,” White said.

“He’s an incredible athlete too; what does he wanna do next?”

When Rome pressed him about Gaethje’s next move and whether the UFC was already negotiating with him, White pointed to the American’s ongoing participation in the 2026 Internet Invitational.

The $4 million celebrity golf tournament, hosted by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports, is taking place at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri.

White then said, “I don’t know yet.”

“He’s in the middle of this golf thing.”

“You know, We’re talking to him, but we’ll figure it out.”

“He’s going to have to pull the trigger one way or the other, see if he wants to retire or continue to fight."

With Gaethje yet to make a decision about his future, Volkanovski’s lightweight ambitions could take a hit.

If Gaethje chooses to retire, the UFC would need to find another opponent for Volkanovski or determine a new direction for the lightweight title.

If Gaethje decides to continue fighting, the Volkanovski matchup is the most likely option.

Both men are in the later stages of their careers.

Volkanovski is 38 years old and has been competing at featherweight for years.

Gaethje is 37 and has had a long, brutal career in the lightweight division.

A fight between them would be a clash of two fan favorites.

Volkanovski is known for his relentless pressure, cardio, and technical striking.

Gaethje is known for his power, durability, and willingness to engage in brawls.

The matchup has been discussed by fans and analysts for years.

Many see it as a perfect style clash.