Is Alexander Volkanovski, one of the greatest featherweight champions in UFC history, about to hang up his gloves? The rumors are swirling, but the champ himself has a definitive answer: not anytime soon! Let's dive into what Volkanovski actually has planned, and why fans might have jumped to the wrong conclusion.
Fresh off reclaiming his featherweight title, Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski is set to headline UFC 325 in Sydney against Diego Lopes. This fight is significant for a couple of reasons. First, after a dominant reign, it marks Volkanovski's first title defense back in the featherweight division, solidifying his commitment to the weight class. Second, incredibly, it's his first title fight in his hometown of Sydney, and only his second UFC appearance there ever. This homecoming has fueled speculation that it could be his swan song. But here's where it gets interesting...
In a recent interview with 10 News Australia, Volkanovski addressed the retirement whispers head-on. "I’m seeing that everywhere as well. I don’t know where that comes from," he stated. "No, it hasn’t been planned to be my last fight, so you don’t really need to worry about that. I think you’re going to just take it as it goes from here on, but there’s definitely no plans of that."
So, retirement is off the table, at least for now. What is on the table? A dominant performance against Lopes, followed by a quick turnaround. Volkanovski wants to make a statement, and he's eyeing potential future opponents like Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, both undefeated prospects eager to test their mettle. "My plan is going out there... not taking too much damage, going out there and really setting a statement, be really impressive in there, and maybe get a quick turnaround," he explained. He sees these rising stars as key figures in building his legacy. "So, for the legacy, they look like they might be pretty good as well." He adds, with a clear challenge in his voice, "This one, do this, in Sydney, put on a show. We’ll see what happens, but definitely no plans for that [retirement]."
Now, let's address the other hot topic: Diego Lopes getting the title shot. Some fans were surprised, maybe even a little frustrated, that Lopes was chosen, especially considering Volkanovski defeated him previously. Volkanovski himself admits he didn't expect it. And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about rankings; it's about entertainment and seizing opportunities. Volkanovski acknowledges that Lopes embodies that philosophy. "It is all about entertainment, and you’ve got to take those opportunities," Volkanovski said. "One thing about Lopes, he’s the type of guy who will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. He will bring the entertainment every time he steps in there. He doesn’t say no to anyone, and he’s very active. And sometimes when you’re going out there and taking every opportunity that you can, you will be rewarded… Yes, rankings are big, but so is being active, and you will be rewarded if you are that guy."
Lopes' willingness to step up and fight anyone has clearly impressed the UFC matchmakers. "Diego Lopes is that guy. So that’s the name that got brought to me, so I’ll do what I plan on doing, as I said. And the way I do it, I think, will maybe send a message to your Lerone Murphys and your Movsars, like, be careful what you wish for. That’s the type of statement I feel like I’m going to bring Feb. 1, so let’s see how badly they want it after that performance.”
Looking beyond UFC 325, Volkanovski has ambitious plans extending into 2026. He's not just focused on defending his featherweight title; he wants to avenge his losses against Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. "I’d love to rematch and get them wins back on Islam Makhachev or Ilia Topuria," Volkanovski stated. But he understands the current landscape. "But I’m pretty [OK] with it. I understand that I can’t just call for a champ-champ fight right now. I know I’ve got work to do in my division. Being a champion is a responsibility, and I take that serious. I know I’ve got guys in my division, and I don’t want to hold up the division. So, I want to do what I need to do, and you never know, maybe after I what I said I’m planning on doing in Sydney, Feb. 1, go do that, have a turnaround, get another victory over an undefeated guy, maybe that’s fair, I think that’s fair enough to be calling for a champ-champ fight then.” He seems to be suggesting that dominating the featherweight division will earn him another shot at champ-champ status. But here's where it gets controversial... Is it fair for a champion to prioritize avenging losses over defending their current title against deserving contenders? Some might argue that defending the title should always be the priority, while others might say that chasing greatness and legacy justifies pursuing rematches.
TOP STORIES
- Critics. Matt Brown defends Joshua Van from criticism after UFC 323 post-fight celebration but says ‘I would not do that.’ (https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/460659/matt-brown-defends-joshua-van-from-criticism-after-post-fight-celebration-at-ufc-323-but-admits-i-would-not-do-that)
- Altercation. Jamahal Hill responds to Joanna Jedrzejczyk after altercation at UFC 323: ‘This lady just completely flipped her sh*t.’ (https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/460741/jamahal-hill-responds-to-joanna-jedrzejczyk-after-altercation-at-UFC-323-this-lady-just-completely-flipped-her-sht)
- Comeback. Gina Carano’s coach reacts to her return to the gym (https://www.mmafighting.com/latest-news/460686/gina-caranos-coach-reacts-to-her-return-to-the-gym-shes-got-that-fire-lit-and-shes-training-her-butt-off) : ‘She’s got that fire lit and she’s training her butt off.’
- Weight. Mairon Santos explains UFC 323 weight miss: ‘That’s something I’m going to fix.’ (https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/460758/mairon-santos-explains-ufc-323-weight-miss-thats-something-im-going-to-fix)
- Synergy. Zuffa Boxing launching with first event (https://www.mmafighting.com/boxing/460772/zuffa-boxing-launching-with-first-event-during-ufc-324-weekend) during UFC 324 weekend.
VIDEO STEW
- Get hyped for this weekend.
- Road to UFC Vegas 112.
- Bisping talks Khamzat and Pereira.
- Anderson Silva says Jake Paul deserves some credit.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
- This is the best bad idea, ever.
- Flowchart, flow state.
- Everything is better with pie.
- Felt this.
- More rivalries like this, please.
- Moving on.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
- King Green (32-17-1, 1 NC) vs. Lance Gibson (9-1); UFC Vegas 112, Dec. 13.
- Juliana Miller (4-3) vs. Carli Judice (5-2); UFC Houston, Feb. 21.
FINAL THOUGHTS
What are your thoughts on Volkanovski's plans? Is he right to focus on rematches, or should he prioritize defending his featherweight title? Let us know in the comments below! And, as always, if you have any suggestions for future Morning Reports, reach out to @AlexanderKlee (https://x.com/AlexanderKLee) or @JedKMeshew (https://x.com/JedKMeshew) on Twitter. Don't forget to follow MMAFighting on Twitter (https://x.com/MMAFighting), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mmafightingdotcom/?hl=en), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@MMAFightingonSBN), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@mmafighting), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mmafighting/) for all your MMA news and updates.
