Alexander Volkanovski is open to fight. Yep you read it. Justin Gaethje’s stunning victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 remains one of the biggest talking points in mixed martial arts. While many expected Topuria to continue his dominant run as a two division champion, it was Gaethje who walked away with the undisputed lightweight title after forcing a fourth round stoppage at the historic White House event.
Now, former Topuria rival and reigning UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has shared his thoughts on what went wrong for the former lightweight king. More importantly, Volkanovski believes the result could be very different if the pair meet again.
Volkanovski Credits Gaethje’s Perfect Game Plan
Speaking about the fight, Volkanovski made it clear that Gaethje deserves enormous credit for his performance. The Australian praised the veteran’s discipline and ability to stick to a strategy against one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport.
It was a bit of everything, Volkanovski explained. You have to credit Gaethje for an unreal game plan. He stayed very disciplined. He knew when to fire, he knew when to block, he knew when to put himself in safe positions.
According to Volkanovski, Gaethje’s patience played a major role in neutralizing Topuria’s biggest strengths. Instead of engaging in reckless exchanges, the new champion carefully managed distance and avoided absorbing the fight changing shots that had finished so many of Topuria’s previous opponents.
Topuria’s Aggression Came at a Cost
While Gaethje’s performance impressed Volkanovski, he also believes Topuria made critical mistakes that ultimately led to his downfall.
The former featherweight champion felt Topuria pushed the pace too aggressively in the opening rounds and paid a heavy price as the fight progressed.
“I thought Ilia was very aggressive,” Volkanovski said. “I think he tried to rush everything very early, and that’s why he took damage pretty early.”
Topuria enjoyed success during the first half of the contest and appeared close to breaking Gaethje at several moments. However, Volkanovski believes the damage accumulated much earlier than many realized.
The Australian pointed to Gaethje’s jab as one of the most effective weapons of the night. Fighting off the back foot, Gaethje consistently landed while avoiding the clean power shots that had helped Topuria build an undefeated record.
Why Alexander Volkanovski Believes Topuria Wins the Rematch
Despite Gaethje’s championship winning performance, Volkanovski still favors Topuria if the two men meet again.
The featherweight champion believes the loss will provide valuable lessons that could make Topuria even more dangerous in a second fight.
If he fights the right fight, he will learn a lot from that, Volkanovski said. “Ilia wins the rematch.
Volkanovski stressed that his opinion is not meant as criticism of Gaethje. Instead, he feels the former champion simply strayed from the patient and calculated style that made him one of the most feared fighters in the UFC.
I think that Ilia, if he doesn’t rush as much, fights at a little bit better distance, and then does what he usually does, sets up nice traps, he’ll eventually find him.
The Australian suggested that Topuria’s desire to secure an early finish may have ultimately worked against him.
He definitely could have pulled that off, but if you don’t, it’s a rough fight. You will run into shots, run into punches, and you will gas. That’s sort of what happened.
Volkanovski Open to Future Clash With Gaethje
While discussing the lightweight division, Alexander Volkanovski also addressed growing speculation about a potential champion versus champion showdown against Gaethje.
The 145 pound champion admitted he would welcome the opportunity if the UFC decided to offer it.
People ask me, would you do it? Of course I would, Volkanovski said. If the UFC was to offer it, of course. Two 38 year old fellas going at it in the lightweight division. One hundred percent.
However, Volkanovski was quick to acknowledge that other contenders deserve consideration first.
“Arman should be next,” he said, referring to top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan.
What’s Next for the Lightweight Division?
For now, Gaethje appears set to enjoy life as champion after finally capturing undisputed UFC gold. The veteran has indicated that he may not return until 2027, giving his body time to recover following years of brutal wars inside the Octagon.
Meanwhile, Topuria remains one of the biggest stars in the sport despite suffering the first loss of his professional career.
If Volkanovski’s prediction proves correct, a rematch between Gaethje and Topuria could become one of the most anticipated title fights in recent UFC history.
For now, the debate continues. Gaethje has the belt, but Volkanovski believes the story between the two elite lightweights may be far from finished.
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