TLDR
- Alexander Volkanovski has shut down retirement rumors ahead of his UFC 325 title defense against Diego Lopes in Sydney on February 1
- The 37-year-old featherweight champion plans to fight multiple times in 2025 and targets undefeated contenders Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy
- Volkanovski reclaimed the 145-pound title earlier in 2025 by defeating Diego Lopes at UFC 314
- The champion wants to eventually pursue rematches with Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria to achieve double-champion status
- Volkanovski defended his decision to face Lopes again, citing the Brazilian’s activity and willingness to fight anyone
Alexander Volkanovski has directly addressed speculation about his fighting future. The UFC featherweight champion told 10 News Australia that retirement is not part of his immediate plans.
“I’m seeing that everywhere as well,” Volkanovski said. “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.”
The 37-year-old Australian fighter reclaimed the 145-pound title earlier this year. He defeated Diego Lopes at UFC 314 for the vacant championship belt. This came after Ilia Topuria knocked him out at UFC 298.
Volkanovski will defend his title against Lopes in a rematch at UFC 325. The event takes place February 1 in Sydney. This marks only his second UFC appearance in his home city.
Alexander Volkanovski shuts down retirement rumors at #UFC325
📰 https://t.co/cFxWeuu8dy pic.twitter.com/yiWOWJyFbU
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) December 10, 2025
The champion has already mapped out his strategy for the upcoming fight. He wants to make a statement without taking excessive damage. His goal is to secure a quick turnaround for another fight soon after.
“My plan is going out there and not taking too much damage, going out there and really setting a statement,” Volkanovski explained. “Be really impressive in there, and maybe get a quick turnaround.”
Future Opponents on the Horizon
Volkanovski has identified two undefeated contenders as potential future opponents. Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy both remain unbeaten in their UFC careers. The champion views these matchups as important for his legacy.
Evloev currently ranks as the number one featherweight contender. He most recently defeated former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310. Murphy holds the number four ranking in the division.
“I think you’ve got a couple of other guys as well like Movsar and Lerone Murphy, they’re undefeated and all that,” Volkanovski said. “For the legacy, they look like they might be pretty good as well.”
Some fans questioned why Lopes received an immediate rematch. Volkanovski explained the UFC’s reasoning behind the matchup. He praised Lopes for his activity and willingness to fight top opponents.
“One thing about Lopes, he’s the type of guy who will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime,” the champion said. “He doesn’t say no to anyone, and he’s very active.”
Lopes brought a five-fight win streak into their first meeting. After losing to Volkanovski, the 30-year-old Brazilian returned to winning form. He stopped Jean Silva in September at Noche UFC.
Double-Champion Ambitions
Volkanovski has expressed interest in pursuing rematches with former opponents. He wants to face Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria again. Both fighters previously defeated him by knockout.
“I’d love to rematch and get them wins back on Islam Makhachev or Ilia Topuria,” Volkanovski stated. “But I’m pretty real with it. I understand I can’t call for champ-champ right now.”
The Australian understands he must focus on his own division first. He views the championship as a responsibility that requires defending against top contenders. Clearing out the featherweight division could open doors for double-champion opportunities.
Alex Volkanovski is the headline act for the UFC's return to Sydney in February. He'll defend his featherweight title in a rematch against Diego Lopes. #alexvolkanovski #diegolopes #ufc #mma #combatsports pic.twitter.com/rhO1fsiZnF
— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) December 10, 2025
Makhachev defeated Volkanovski twice in lightweight title fights. The first bout at UFC 284 was competitive. The second at UFC 294 ended in a knockout loss for Volkanovski.
Topuria knocked out Volkanovski at UFC 298 to win the featherweight title. The loss ended Volkanovski’s reign after five successful title defenses. He previously defeated Jose Aldo to win the belt.
“Being the champion is a real responsibility, and I take that serious,” Volkanovski said. “I know I’ve got good guys in my division, and I don’t want to hold up the division.”
The champion wants to fight multiple times in 2025. He believes defeating another undefeated contender after UFC 325 would justify a double-championship fight. Volkanovski joined the UFC in 2016 and built a seven-fight winning streak before capturing gold.
His performance at UFC 325 could send a message to other contenders. Volkanovski plans to deliver an impressive showing in front of his home crowd in Sydney.
