UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has recently shared his plans concerning the final stages of his career, revealing that he intends to compete several more times before officially retiring from the sport. With Ilia Topuria stepping down from the featherweight title, Volkanovski is set to face Diego Lopes for the vacant championship at UFC 314, scheduled for April 12 at Kaseya Center in Miami. This pivotal matchup aims to rekindle Volkanovski’s reign in the octagon after a challenging period marked by two consecutive knockout defeats.
Volkanovski has showed an openness to the idea of retirement, especially in light of his recent performances against notable opponents like lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Topuria. Following these bouts, he took some time off, which led him to reflect on his career trajectory. In an interview, Volkanovski candidly admitted that thoughts of stepping away from fighting had occurred to him during that break. However, the clarity he gained has allowed him to recalibrate his goals, bringing a renewed focus and determination to his competitive ambitions.
He articulated his mindset: “I’m expecting to maybe have a couple more, a few more…” Acknowledging the unpredictability of MMA, he left the door open for even more fights, depending on how he feels after each match. This attitude not only highlights his competitive spirit but also suggests a desire to leave on a high note before transitioning into the next chapter of life beyond fighting.
Embracing Change and Growth
While Volkanovski’s championship aspirations remain a priority, he also expressed the importance of personal growth outside of the octagon. The past year away from constant competition has allowed him to cultivate interests and experiences beyond fighting, which he describes as “incredible.” This perspective on life after MMA is crucial for a fighter who has dedicated so much of his life to the sport.
He stated, “I do want to eventually sail off into the sunset.” This implies that his vision extends beyond the confines of a title belt; he envisions a life enriched by experiences gained away from fighting, demonstrating an understanding that retirement doesn’t signify the end but rather the beginning of new opportunities.
As he prepares for the title bout against Lopes, Volkanovski anticipates maintaining a competitive edge in the featherweight division. He voiced no surprise over Lopes being chosen for the title fight instead of Movsar Evloev, appreciating that every fighter has their moment. However, Volkanovski has plans of his own—to defend the belt before considering retirement.
“I’m winning the belt and I’ll call him out,” Volkanovski declared about Evloev. His forward-looking approach aligns with his competitive nature, emphasizing that he is ready to dive back into the fray and not waste any moment as he seeks to solidify his legacy further.
As he gears up for what could be a thrilling conclusion to his fighting career, fans and followers alike eagerly await to see how Volkanovski’s story unfolds—one that is not just about championships but also about the transitions that define the journey of an athlete.