Dana White Ready for Alexander Volkanovski Superfight, but Justin Gaethje Is Holding Up Title Bout

UFC CEO Dana White revealed he is willing to book Alexander Volkanovski against Justin Gaethje, but the matchup depends entirely on Gaethje deciding whether he wants to fight.

White made the comments during an appearance on The Jim Rome Show on November 4, 2026.

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

“Great guy, great champion, great athlete.”

But White quickly pivoted to the real obstacle.

“The big question is what does Justin Gaethje want to do?”

“Justin’s coming off this unbelievable win at the White House, and he’s an incredible athlete too.”

“What does he wanna do next?”

Gaethje captured the UFC lightweight title in June 2026 at UFC Freedom 250, a historic event held at the White House.

He defeated Ilia Topuria by knockout, fulfilling a career-long goal.

Since that win, Gaethje has not fought or signed a new bout agreement.

Instead, he has been enjoying life outside the cage.

White mentioned Gaethje’s recent activities, including winning an athletic competition at Fanatics Fest in New York.

Gaethje also participated in Dave Portnoy’s 2026 Internet Invitational Golf tournament at Big Cedar Lodge, where he drew attention for a backflip celebration.

“They do that Fanatics Fest in New York, and they have this athletic competition that you have to go through to win,” White said.

“One year it was a Ferrari, and then I don’t remember what it was last year.”

“But yeah, guys like Brady and all these NFL guys [enter], Justin Gaethje won that thing.”

“And then this new golf league that [Barstool Sports owner] Dave Portnoy’s got.”

“I heard that Gaethje’s doing well on that too.”

White admitted he was unsure about Gaethje’s fighting future.

“I don’t know yet,” he said.

“He’s in the middle of this golf thing that Portnoy is doing.”

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

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

Gaethje turns 38 on November 14, 2026.

He has been fighting professionally for 15 years.

In recent interviews, Gaethje has openly discussed retirement.

“I don’t have kids, I’ve never been married, and I’ve been committed to the game since I left high school in 2007,” Gaethje said.

“I want children, but I don’t want children until I can be what my parents were for me.”

“I’m almost done with this ride.”

“I think definitely by 2027 I will be done, and I will be able to move on to those other parts of my life.”

Reports indicate Gaethje has entrusted his family and manager to help him decide his next career move.

Alexander Volkanovski, meanwhile, is eager for the opportunity.

Volkanovski is the current UFC featherweight champion.

He has twice before moved up to lightweight to challenge for the title, losing both times to Islam Makhachev.

The first loss came at UFC 284 in February 2023, where Makhachev won by unanimous decision.

The second loss was at UFC 294 in October 2023, where Makhachev won by first-round knockout.

Despite those setbacks, Volkanovski successfully defended his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev in his most recent fight.

White’s willingness to give Volkanovski another lightweight title shot is notable.

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

Volkanovski is widely regarded as one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history.

He has held the 145-pound title since December 2019 and has defended it multiple times.

A champion vs. champion bout between Volkanovski and Gaethje would be a major draw for the UFC.

But Gaethje has other options beyond Volkanovski.

Ilia Topuria, the man Gaethje beat for the title, is planning a return.

White confirmed Topuria will fight again in 2027.

“He’ll be back in ’27,” White said.

“We’re working on that too.”

Topuria has not fought since losing to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

He has kept a low profile but has resumed training.

A rematch between Gaethje and Topuria is one possibility.