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Volkanovski opens as underdog to Gaethje after retaining featherweight title at UFC 333

Alexander Volkanovski and Petr Yan both defended their UFC titles at UFC 333, but early betting lines cast Volkanovski as a +160 underdog against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in a potential future matchup. Yan, meanwhile, is a -250 favourite in prospective rematches against both Yadong Song and Sean O'Malley.

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Volkanovski opens as underdog to Gaethje after retaining featherweight title at UFC 333
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Alexander Volkanovski and Petr Yan both left UFC 333 as champions, but early odds on their potential next fights paint contrasting pictures — with Volkanovski a notable underdog in at least one scenario and Yan heavily favoured in two.

BetOnline Sports has published opening lines for unannounced future matchups involving both title-holders. The most striking number sees Volkanovski listed at +160 against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, who is priced at -180. A potential featherweight title defence against Jean Silva is far closer, with Volkanovski at -115 and Silva at -105.

At bantamweight, Yan is installed as a -250 favourite in hypothetical rematches against both Yadong Song (+210) and Sean O’Malley (+207). The Russian defeated Song by unanimous decision in 2024, then lost a controversial split decision to O’Malley in 2022. Yan has publicly stated he views Song as the more deserving contender but has said he will defer to UFC matchmakers on the choice of opponent.

None of the matchups listed by BetOnline has been officially announced by the UFC.

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