Dana White Reveals Alexander Volkanovski Superfight Depends Entirely On Justin Gaethje’s Decision

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed he is eager to grant featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski a superfight against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, but stated the decision rests entirely on whether Gaethje chooses to accept it.

The prospect of another champion versus champion showdown has immediately energized the mixed martial arts community.

White addressed the situation directly during a recent appearance on The Jim Rome Show.

When asked about the probability of booking the clash between the two reigning titleholders, White made his admiration for the featherweight king abundantly clear.

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

The UFC boss praised the veteran Australian as a great person, a phenomenal champion, and an elite athlete.

Yet, turning Volkanovski's ambitions into an official bout requires an agreement from the opposite corner.

White acknowledged that the promotion cannot move forward until the reigning 155-pound king commits to his future.

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

The UFC executive highlighted the magnitude of Gaethje's recent achievements inside the Octagon.

"Justin, coming off this unbelievable win at the White House," White continued.

He praised Gaethje as an incredible athlete before reiterating that the final call belongs to him.

"What does he wanna do next?" White asked.

Talks between promotion officials and the lightweight champion remain active behind closed doors.

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

White then emphasized the reality of the timeline facing the promotion and the division.

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

A WAITING GAME AT LIGHTWEIGHT

The targeted champion versus champion collision would represent another historic milestone for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Volkanovski earned his way back into superfight discussions following another display of dominance in the featherweight division.

The 38-year-old champion successfully retained his 145-pound title against the undefeated Movsar Evloev at UFC 333.

Having conquered his division once again, Volkanovski quickly voiced his desire to make another run at lightweight glory in 2027.

Volkanovski previously challenged for undisputed lightweight gold on two occasions.

Those previous lightweight title bids ended in defeat against former division ruler Islam Makhachev.

Their high-profile rivalry culminated three years ago when the two champions collided in a rematch at UFC 294.

Despite those prior setbacks at 155 pounds, Volkanovski remains eager to chase simultaneous two-division supremacy.

His longevity and enduring dominance have continued to draw universal praise across the sport.

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker even admitted to being inspired for another title run after witnessing Volkanovski’s continued success at 38 years old.

GAETHJE AT A CAREER CROSSROADS

While Volkanovski is ready to jump into another historic bout, Gaethje finds himself at a pivotal career crossroads.

The American superstar reached the pinnacle of his professional journey this past June at UFC Freedom 250.

In an unforgettable main event at the White House, Gaethje finished Ilia Topuria to capture the undisputed UFC lightweight championship.

The victory marked the culmination of a lifelong dream for the former interim champion.

Immediately after securing the belt, however, Gaethje suggested that the historic bout might serve as his final walk to the Octagon.

Gaethje turns 38 years old on November 14.

His fighting journey spans more than a decade and a half of grueling competition at the highest levels of the sport.

The physical toll of his high-octane style has led the lightweight champion to seriously contemplate stepping away on top.

Gaethje has openly spoken about the heavy personal sacrifices required to sustain an elite fighting career since leaving high school in 2007.

"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 previously explained.

The champion has expressed a clear desire to begin a new chapter centered around family life.

"I want children, but I don’t want children until I can be what my parents were for me," Gaethje noted.

He has set a firm deadline on his competitive fighting window as retirement rumors continue to mount.

"I’m almost done with this ride," Gaethje revealed.

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

LIFE OUTSIDE THE OCTAGON

Rather than engaging in immediate camp preparations, Gaethje has spent recent months enjoying public appearances outside the cage.

The lightweight champion participated in fan activities, competitive challenges, and WWE-style walkouts at Fanatics Fest.

He also made headlines at Dave Portnoy’s 2026 Barstool Sports Internet Invitational Golf tournament at Big Cedar Lodge.

During that golf event, the UFC champion entertained fans by performing his signature backflip celebration.

Reports indicate that Gaethje has entrusted his close family and his management team to help evaluate his choices moving forward.

While normal championship reigns are defined by prompt negotiations for mandatory contenders, discussions around Gaethje have centered heavily on a potential retirement.

Having achieved undisputed champion status, Gaethje openly feels that he has very little left to prove to the fighting world.

CONTENDERS AWAIT RESOLUTION

Gaethje's pending decision holds massive implications for the immediate future of the 155-pound weight class.

The lightweight division has not staged a title bout since Gaethje defeated Topuria at the White House.