Alexander Volkanovski Teases 'Send-Off' Fight vs. Justin Gaethje Ahead of UFC Retirement

Before he defends his UFC featherweight championship later this month, Alexander Volkanovski acknowledged that the end of his career is on the horizon.

Volkanovski, who is scheduled to defend his 145-pound title against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi, said during an appearance on the Who Da Fook Are These Guys? podcast that he likes the idea of a "send-off" superfight between him and UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

"Imagine that, do it as a send-off," Volkanovski said, per ESPN's Brett Okamoto. "Gaethje, Volk. I think he's said that he maybe has one more. That could be a superfight. Let's do a superfight with the lightweight title on the line. We can both see everyone off with a crazy superfight. That could be really good."

Widely considered the greatest featherweight fighter in UFC history, Volkanovski (28-4) had previously indicated multiple times that he is nearing retirement. The 38-year-old most recently defended his title against Diego Lopes in a unanimous decision at UFC 325 in February. He will be trying to hand Evolev (20-0) his first career loss at UFC 333.

Okamoto noted that Gaethje, who claimed the UFC lightweight title for the first time in his career at the Freedom 250 event in June, has also acknowledged that he doesn't have many fights left. The 37-year-old is expected to defend his title against lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, but Okamoto reported that he "has not even guaranteed whether he will fight again or retire."

"He's said, 'What's the point of doing rematches?'" Volkanovski said. "Let's do a superfight, then [retire] straight away after, let the divisions sort themselves out. The UFC would be happy for that. Let's make it happen."

Volkanovski previously attempted to claim the lightweight title twice, losing both times to then-champion Islam Makhachev. Becoming a double champion would be a special way to end his legendary career, but it remains to be seen if he'll get his wish.