Alexander Volkanovski has spoken out about the growing speculation around his future ahead of his upcoming title defense in Australia.
On January 31, Volkanovski will look to defend his featherweight title for the second time in this reign, as he faces Diego Lopes once again in the UFC 325 main event from Sydney.
After the fight was announced, some fans criticised it online. Many even threatened to boycott the event, accusing the promotion of being too similar to WWE booking.
Now at 37 years old, there have been whispers that this could be Volkanovski’s final fight before retirement.
Alexander Volkanovski admits retirement is possible at UFC 325
Volkanovski has consistently stated in recent years that he must remain active and focused on a goal. Otherwise, he struggles.
But with two knockouts in his last three fights, concerns have grown over how much longer he might stay active.
Leading up to his title defense in Australia, ‘The Great’ offered his perspective on retirement, confessing that a “horrendously wrong” performance against Lopes would likely prompt him to retire.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani, he said: “I don’t know where (the retirement rumours) came from exactly.
“If I were to get beaten up, would I come back to fight? No. But that’s not in my plans. Unless things go horrendously wrong, I’m planning on going back out there. Whether it’s the next one taking on an undefeated fighter in the UFC or something like that, that’s appealing, maybe that’s one I could finish up on.
“Right now, I plan on everything going well, getting my hand raised and taking minimal damage so I can have a quick turnaround and continue fighting.”
Getting knocked out by Lopes is a strong possibility for things going “horrendously wrong”, given the Brazilian’s three finishes in the UFC to date.
Alexander Volkanovski has eyes set on next opponent
Prior to his rematch with Lopes, Volkanovski had expressed interest in facing either Lerone Murphy or Movsar Evloev.
With the two expected to fight each other next, the 37-year-old Australian has said he would be open to taking on either one afterwards.
If everything goes according to plan for Volkanovski against Lopes, there is a chance we could see him retire after taking on one of those undefeated fighters.
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