Alexander Volkanovski recently addressed rumors surrounding his potential retirement after UFC 325. The UFC featherweight champion shut down those rumors, making it clear that he intends to continue his career. With a pivotal title fight coming up, his remarks leave no doubt about his fighting future.
Volkanovski is set to face Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 325. The event takes place in Sydney, Australia on Jan. 31. They faced each other at UFC 314, where ‘Volk’ earned a unanimous decision to capture the vacant featherweight championship.
Since the rematch was announced, there has been growing speculation that Volkanovski will retire after the fight. He is now in his second reign as featherweight champion, so a successful title defense would be impressive. It can also be a fitting way to retire on top.
During a recent interview with Australian outlet 10 News, Volkanovski put the retirement rumors to rest. He expressed interest in continuing to fight after UFC 325 and even prefers a short layoff.
“I don’t know where [the retirement rumors come] from. No, it’s 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,” Volkanovski said. “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.”
Alexander Volkanovski Names Two Featherweight Contenders He’d Like to Face
Alexander Volkanovski also named two featherweight contenders that he would like to face next after his bout with Diego Lopes. Volkanovski is eager to continue solidifying his legacy by adding two younger contenders to his resume.
Volkanovski isn’t overlooking Lopes despite already having defeated him. However, he made it known that Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy are two opponents who excite him.
The current featherweight champion believes Evloev and Murphy are both worthy of the next title shot.
“I think you’ve got a couple of other guys as well, like Movsar [Evloev] and Lerone Murphy, undefeated and all that. So for the legacy, they look like they might be pretty good as well,” Volkanovski told News 10. “We’ll see what happens. [UFC 325], do this in Sydney, put on a show.”
Volkanovski Explains Why Diego Lopes Received Another UFC Title Shot
Volkanovski also weighed in and explained why he believes Lopes was given another title shot over Evloev and Murphy. The announcement for Volkanovski vs Lopes wasn’t well received by both fans and fighters.
Speaking to News 10, Volkanovski shared his thoughts on his upcoming title defense. He said Lopes’ fan-friendly stye was a key factor in why he received the title shot.
“It’s 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. [Lopes] will bring the entertainment every time he steps in there. He doesn’t say no to anyone and he’s very active.”
He continued:
“Yes, rankings are big, but so is being active, and you will be rewarded if you are that guy.”
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