Dana White presses Justin Gaethje to decide on Volkanovski fight

Dana White awaits Justin Gaethje decision on Alexander Volkanovski fight.

The UFC lightweight championship is in limbo.

Justin Gaethje won the undisputed 155-pound title by finishing Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026.

Since that night at the White House, Gaethje has not committed to his next move.

He has left the door open to retirement.

He has also left the door open to defending the belt.

That indecision has stalled one of the most intriguing super fights the UFC could book.

Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning featherweight champion, wants the fight badly.

Volkanovski defeated Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 and immediately called for a shot at Gaethje's lightweight title.

Dana White, the UFC CEO, addressed the situation on "The Jim Rome Show."

White made clear how he feels about Volkanovski.

"I would pretty much do anything for Alexander Volkanovski at this point in his career," White said.

"Great guy, great athlete, great champion."

Then White pivoted to the problem.

"The big question is: what does Justin Gaethje wanna do?" White said.

"Justin, coming off this unbelievable win at the White House. He's an incredible athlete too; what does he wanna do next?"

White admitted he does not yet have an answer.

"I don't know yet… We're talking to him, but we'll figure it out," White said.

Then the UFC boss delivered the key line.

"He's going to have to pull the trigger one way or another."

That quote, first reported by BJPenn.com and confirmed by multiple outlets, shows White's patience is not unlimited.

Gaethje won the lightweight belt in June by defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.

The event was held at the White House, a historic setting for the promotion.

It was the crowning achievement of Gaethje's Hall of Fame career.

But after the win, Gaethje was non-committal about his future.

He has not fought since.

He has not announced a retirement.

He has not called out a specific opponent.

That silence has created a logjam at 155 pounds.

Arman Tsarukyan is the top contender.

Tsarukyan recently defeated Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331.

He has been waiting for his title shot.

Volkanovski has acknowledged that Tsarukyan deserves the next opportunity.

Volkanovski has also said he would be willing to fight Tsarukyan for a vacant championship if Gaethje retires.

That scenario — Gaethje walking away and vacating the belt — would create a clear path.

But it would also deny fans the champion-versus-champion matchup that Volkanovski wants.

Volkanovski is one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history.

He has dominated the featherweight division for years.

He has already moved up to lightweight once before, losing a close decision to Islam Makhachev in 2023.

A fight with Gaethje would give him a second chance at lightweight gold.

Gaethje, meanwhile, has built his legacy on violence.

He is known for his relentless pressure, heavy hands, and willingness to absorb punishment to deliver it.

His win over Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 was a career-defining moment.

Topuria had been undefeated and was considered one of the sport's rising stars.

Gaethje stopped him and took the belt.

Now the question is whether that win was the final chapter or just another milestone.

Dana White has made it clear the decision belongs to Gaethje.

But White also made it clear he wants that decision soon.

"We're talking to him, but we'll figure it out," White said.

"He's going to have to pull the trigger one way or another."

The timeline for Gaethje's decision is unclear.

Some reports suggest he could make an announcement in the coming weeks.

If Gaethje chooses to fight, Volkanovski is the opponent White seems most willing to make.

If Gaethje chooses to retire, the lightweight belt becomes vacant.

In that case, Volkanovski and Tsarukyan would likely fight for the title.

Volkanovski has already said he is open to that.

"I would pretty much do anything for Alexander Volkanovski at this point in his career," White said.