Morning Report | Chael Sonnen: Alexander Volkanovski double retirement fight pitch is ‘one of the dumbest ideas I’ve ever heard’

Chael Sonnen strongly criticized UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski's proposal to fight lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in a double retirement bout. Volkanovski pitched the superfight following his second-round stoppage victory over Movsar Evloev at UFC 333, suggesting both men could retire afterward to avoid holding up their respective divisions. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen labeled the pitch one of the dumbest ideas he had ever heard.

Sonnen argued that Volkanovski should vacate his featherweight title and compete against contenders if he genuinely wants to test himself at 155 pounds, citing examples like Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway. UFC CEO Dana White stated it would be difficult to deny Volkanovski's requests, though Volkanovski has already lost two previous lightweight title bids against Islam Makhachev.