Volkanovski eyes retirement fight but not in Sydney

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 02:31 · Archive

UFC star Alexander Volkanovski wants to retire with a lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje, but says it will probably be in the United States rather than Australia.

Alexander Volkanovski has secured a record-extending ninth UFC featherweight title with a second-round TKO victory over previously unbeaten Movsar Evloev. The 38-year-old is now looking to retire with a lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje, who recently won that title and is also 38.

Volkanovski said a retirement fight against Gaethje would offer him the chance to go full circle in his career, as Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria—the man who ended Volkanovski's first spell as featherweight champion. UFC boss Dana White indicated willingness to make the bout happen, saying 'there's not much we're going to say no to with him'.

The question of location poses a challenge. Volkanovski, from Wollongong, would prefer to fight in Sydney, where he recently defeated Diego Lopes in February—his first home fight since 2017. However, he acknowledged that the scale of a retirement spectacle might require the event to be held in the United States instead. 'Everyone had to do a lot of work to make that happen, because that wasn't easy,' he said of his previous Sydney fight.

How it is being reported

• Why 'Volk' thinks retirement fight won't be in SydneyAlexander Volkanovski says he would love nothing more than to finish his UFC career in Australia, but admits he's unlikely to get a fairytale retirement fight.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 02:02
• Why 'Volk' thinks retirement fight won't be in SydneyAlexander Volkanovski says he would love nothing more than to finish his UFC career in Australia, but admits he's unlikely to get a fairytale retirement fight.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 02:01

In this story: Alexander Volkanovski · Justin Gaethje · Movsar Evloev · Dana White · Ilia Topuria · UFC · Sydney · Australia

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem