UFC 333: Volkanovski stops Evloev, offers to retire for Gaethje superfight

Volkanovski, 38, handed Evloev his first professional loss. He stunned him late in the second round, chased him to the canvas and landed punches until referee Marc Goddard stopped it with six seconds left. It was his first finish since his 2023 win over Yair Rodriguez, and his ninth featherweight title-fight win, passing Jose Aldo's record. He also earned a $100,000 bonus for the finish.

The bigger story is what comes next. At the post-fight press conference Volkanovski called a Gaethje fight "something I would retire for" and said the belt would be vacant afterward so no division is held up. He does not want the lightweight title in that fight, only a non-title retirement superfight. Dana White said there is not much the UFC would say no to with him, and was quoted by Bloody Elbow as saying the promotion would be "very supportive". Outside the cage, though, this is only a callout. Gaethje has not responded, has been resting hand injuries, and has not made clear whether he will fight again. Most had expected him to face Arman Tsarukyan if he did.

If Volkanovski stays at 145, he said he will probably keep fighting if he takes little damage. Heavy named Jean Silva or the winner of Aljamain Sterling vs. Kevin Vallejos as likely challengers, and Petr Yan was photographed with him after the event.

Evloev took the loss graciously, saying he did not prove he is the best and that maybe they will try again. He plans to go home and recover from his injuries. Volkanovski was sick with the flu all fight week, and according to reporter Oscar Willis he refused all medication, even ibuprofen, because he felt it would give him a sporting advantage.