Alex Volkanovski has been the subject of speculation about retirement, especially with his upcoming fight in Sydney. The champion made it clear he has no intention of stepping away from MMA any time soon.
“I’m seeing that everywhere as well,” Volkanovski told 10 News Australia. “I don’t know where that comes from. 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.”
UFC 325: A Statement Fight in Sydney
Volkanovski will defend his recently reclaimed featherweight title against Diego Lopes at UFC 325 on February 1 in Sydney. This fight will mark his first title defense in his home city and only his second UFC appearance there.
“My plan is going out there, and as I told you, not taking too much damage, going out there and really setting a statement, be really impressive in there, and maybe get a quick turnaround. And then we’ll see what happens from there. I think you’ve got a couple of other guys as well, like Movsar [Evloev], Lerone Murphy, undefeated and all that. So, for the legacy, they look like they might be pretty good as well. So, we’ll see what happens. This one, do this, in Sydney, put on a show. We’ll see what happens, but definitely no plans for that.”
Why Diego Lopes Was Chosen
Some fans questioned why Diego Lopes, whom Volkanovski defeated earlier in April, received the next title shot. Volkanovski understands the UFC’s reasoning, praising Lopes for his activity and willingness to fight top opponents.
“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.”
Volkanovski added that his UFC 325 performance could also send a clear message to other contenders.
“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 Ahead to 2026
Volkanovski is not only focused on UFC 325 but also has ambitions for 2026. While he is interested in high-profile fights with elite opponents, he is aware of his responsibilities as featherweight champion and wants to build his legacy responsibly.
“I’d love to rematch and get them wins back on Islam Makhachev or Ilia Topuria,” Volkanovski said. “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.”
