4 Alexander Volkanovski Next Fight Ideas After KO Win at UFC 333, Including Super-Fight Against Justin Gaethje

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectEven before UFC 333, Alexander Volkanovski was viewed as the greatest featherweight of all time. Yet, with a burning desire to still compete, he returned to the Octagon on Saturday night to defend his title once again. This time against younger and larger challenger Movsar Evloev.At 38, the Australian remains one of the best fighters on the planet because, in just under two rounds, Volkanovski outclassed his bigger foe to score his first knockout win in three years. The victory proved he still has a lot left in the tank he wants to continue to fight.If Volkanovski does, we look at four potential opponents for his return in 2027.Jean SilvaJean Silva enters his fight during Noche UFC at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, on Sept. 12, 2026.The most obvious option would be fan-favorite heavy hitter Jean Silva. Outside of a loss to Diego Lopes last year, he is 7-1 in the UFC with four KO wins. “Lord” is one of the division’s most exciting fighters, and he would give the legend a serious test.Petr YanDec 6, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, UNITED STATES; Petr Yan (blue gloves) reacts after the fight against Merab Dvalishvili (red gloves) during UFC 323 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesVolkanovski twice failed when he jumped up in weight to try and win gold at lightweight. What if he chose to be the one to welcome a smaller champion to his division next year? With his career close to its conclusion, it is all about legacy fights. Volkanovski going toe-to-toe with bantamweight king Petr Yan would be a huge matchup that would excite new and long-time UFC fans.Justin GaethjeJun 14, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Justin Gaethje (blue gloves) celebrates after winning the UFC Freedom 250 fight against Ilia Topuria (not pictured) at the White House South Lawn. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn ImagesHeading into UFC 333, Volkanovski floated the idea of moving up to lightweight one more time to battle fellow legend Justin Gaethje. On paper, the super-fight is very interesting and might be a pick ’em bout. While many fans would be all for it, the big question is: does the lightweight king have any interest in the matchup?Aljamain SterlingApr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Aljamain Sterling during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsOne last option that might interest Volkanovski because of the historic implications would be a scrap with Aljamain Sterling. The American made the move to featherweight two years ago and is 3-1 inside the division. As a former bantamweight champion and a legit contender at 145 pounds, a potential matchup checks off the big fight boxes if Sterling can beat Kevin Vallejos next month.