Chael Sonnen Blasts Alexander Volkanovski's Proposed Bout vs. Justin Gaethje
Chael Sonnen slammed Alexander Volkanovski's idea for a double-retirement lightweight bout against Justin Gaethje, labeling it one of the worst concepts he has heard.
· VILLAND PICK editorial
Alexander Volkanovski successfully defended his UFC featherweight championship with a second-round stoppage of Movsar Evloev in the main event of UFC 333. Following the victory, Volkanovski proposed a lightweight superfight against Justin Gaethje, suggesting that both fighters could retire inside the Octagon afterward so neither division would be held up by contenders.
However, former title challenger and analyst Chael Sonnen strongly pushed back against the concept. Speaking on his YouTube channel, as reported by MMA Fighting, Sonnen criticized the premise of booking a friendly matchup designed as a joint send-off.
"He does not know what we are doing here," Sonnen said. "Volkanovski just laid out one of the dumbest ideas I’ve ever heard. … He’s gonna go up, and he’s gonna fight Justin Gaethje.
He’s got no problem with him; they get along. But they’re gonna throw their arms around each other and put the gloves down in the middle when this thing is over. Why would anybody book that fight?"
Sonnen also disputed Volkanovski's argument that moving up to 155 pounds would be a personal test, noting that the featherweight king previously weighed 96 kilograms (211 pounds) and cuts weight specifically to compete at 145. Sonnen argued that if Volkanovski truly wants to test himself in the lightweight division, he should vacate his featherweight title and make a full transition, citing Ilia Topuria's division move as the proper blueprint.
Sources
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