It would appear that former UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski’s time as a professional mixed martial artist might be coming to an end soon.
Exit of a Titan Leaves Door Open for New Champion
Last week, it was announced that previous 145-lb kingpin Ilia Topuria would be vacating the strap in order to pursue other ventures at lightweight. The decision left many flabbergasted, because after knocking out Max Holloway at UFC 308, he seemed to verbally acknowledge Alexander Volkanovski as his next challenger in his post-fight interview.
With the championship now unoccupied, the UFC was quick to book a title match between “The Great” and the surging Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 314 this April. Considered by most to be the dark horse of the featherweight division, Lopes has rattled off five impressive wins since losing his promotional debut to Movsar Evloev in 2023. Rebounding from the defeat, the Brazilian has picked off notable competitors such as Sodiq Yusuff, Dan Ige and two-time title challenger Brian Ortega.
Belt In Sight, but Another Reign At Top Won’t Be Easy for Alexander Volkanovski
While he may be ecstatic at the chance to capture his long-lost throne for a second time, Alexander Volkanovski knows that father time, and the rigors of being an elite fighter, will play a factor into how long he remains on top. Speaking with Ariel Helwani, the Aussie spoke about his impending retirement, as well as how many more title defenses he would like to attain should his body allow him to.
“I don’t know how much longer I have left in this. I probably could go a few more years. I’m thinking of winning the belt, then defending,” Alexander Volkanovski began. “Even winning, I’m thinking of, ‘You know what, I’m done. Because how much longer do I want to do this? This ain’t easy, especially to be at a level that I’m at, where my expectations, my normal, is very hard work. It hurts, you’re in pain, you get stuck in. That’s what it takes to be elite and be the best and be at the top. I accept nothing but that. So it ain’t easy.”
“So I’m expecting to maybe have a few more, a couple more, a few more,” Alexander Volkanovski continued. “We’ll see. I’ll say that now, I have a fight and absolutely love it. You know what, give me another seven! But how much longer? I still love it, but how much longer do I want to do this to myself and my body? I do want to eventually sail off in the sunset, right?”
Can Alexander Volkanovski Get Into Rarefied Air?
If Volkanovski is able to reassert himself as the apex at 145-lb, then he will be only the second man to ever accomplish said feat in the company, behind only José Aldo. However, should Lopes manage to take out “The Great,” then he will become just the second Brazilian-born UFC Featherweight champion, again behind Aldo.