Alexander Volkanovski reacts to MMA retirement rumors before Movsar Evloev fight at UFC 333

Alexander Volkanovski is beheld by many as one of the greats in the sport of MMA. He's set to celebrate his 38th birthday next month, and some skeptics have questioned how much longer his UFC featherweight title reign could last. 

Some of Volkanovski's detractors have lately called for him to hang up the gloves. On the contrary, his supporters have asserted that the fan-favorite fighter is still more than capable of not only competing but also thriving at the sport's top level. 

Volkanovski -- who often jokes about his being one of the older UFC champions, even appearing in skits about it -- has now discussed the rumors regarding his possible retirement from MMA. 

Alexander Volkanovski offers lighthearted reaction to MMA retirement rumors

During a recent interview with Australia's 10 News, Alexander Volkanovski seemed to hit back at the speculation surrounding his possibly retiring from MMA after his next fight. 

"Just -- money's always good." Volkanovski seemed to jestingly state and laugh, signaling that financial rewards are a key motivation for his decision to keep competing as a fighter. 

Nevertheless, Volkanovski suggested that exploring the intricacies of the craft of MMA is alluring and keeps him from retiring. He said, "I'm sort of loving that. I love getting into the details of this game. And, you know, you can say I'm at the end of my career and just still be so dialed in. I think that's pretty cool." 

Although he hinted that a bad defeat may push him toward bidding adieu to his career, he reaffirmed that he's unlikely to retire in the immediate future: 

"If things go terribly wrong, alright, we're done. If things go very well, like the last one, no damage, go through, alright, we'll keep it rolling. Take it each fight as it goes. You know? I'm just trying to be real with it. But I don't have plans on retiring right now." 

Furthermore, Volkanovski indicated that he's still trying to be as explosive as possible, albeit being realistic with it. "The Great" pointed out that some might even say he's now hitting the hardest he ever has in his career. He also opined that his wrestling is on point even at this stage. 

The Australian MMA fighter alluded to the narrative heading into UFC 333 that the young contender in Movsar Evloev is up against him, the old lion. Volkanovski implied that he views it from a different perspective as well. He's looking to continue proving the doubters -- who pick his younger foes to dethrone him -- wrong time and again. 

Talking about his imminent return to the Octagon, he added, "I'm pretty sure we're going to keep going." 

Watch Alexander Volkanovski discuss MMA retirement speculation and more below: 

Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 -- Aussie MMA great returns to the Octagon

Alexander Volkanovski is a two-time UFC lightweight title challenger, having moved up and fought then-UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and come up short twice in 2023.

Moreover, Volkanovski's first UFC featherweight championship reign witnessed him notch five successful defenses. His reign ended when Ilia Topuria knocked him out in early 2024. He later recaptured the featherweight belt -- which Topuria vacated for a lightweight move -- by beating Diego Lopes via unanimous decision last year. 

Volkanovski also scored the first successful title defense of his second reign as the featherweight kingpin, as he bested Lopes by unanimous decision in their rematch this February. 

Currently, "Volk" is booked to defend his UFC featherweight belt against undefeated Russian combatant Movsar Evloev in the headlining match of UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on October 24.