VIDEO: Alexander Volkanovski opens up about retirement before UFC 325: 'I shouldn't fight for much longer'

Alexander Volkanovsky He opens up about retirement before UFC 325. Photo: Reproduction/X

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Alexander Volkanovsky He was candid when speaking about the future of his career on the eve of UFC 325. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, the featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) admitted that he doesn't intend to fight for much longer and acknowledged that, at the moment, he doesn't see himself as deserving of another shot at the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg).

The comment came after Volkanovski reacted to a statement by Paddy Pimblett, which suggested a possible scenario in which the Australian could challenge for the lightweight title if Pimblett wins the belt against Justin gaethjeAlthough he didn't completely rule out the possibility, Alexander was realistic in assessing his current situation.

“If it were offered to me, of course I would fight for the lightweight belt. But, as everyone knows, I'm very realistic about everything. Right now, I'm thinking about whether I deserve to fight for the lightweight title. And the answer is no. It's not something I'm planning on. As I said, I don't intend to fight for another two or three years.”

"So, for me to deserve a title shot, I believe I would need two or three more wins. Maybe then I'd be back in a position where I could fight for the lightweight title. Today, I don't believe I deserve it, so it's not something I've thought about," he said. Alexander Volkanovsky in an interview with Ariel Helwani.

Alexander Volkanovsky doesn't think he'll fight for the lightweight title again before retiring 😕

“If it's offered to me, of course I'm gonna fight for the lightweight title.

I'm not planning to fight for another 2-3 years. For me to deserve another shot like that I'm gonna… pic.twitter.com/9eW1cHojgA

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 12, 2026

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Alexander Volkanovski defends his title against Diego Lopes at UFC 325.

UFC 325 is counting down to the rematch between Alexander Volkanovsky e Diego lopesVolkanovski defeated Lopes via unanimous decision at UFC 314 in April 2025 for the vacant featherweight title. Now, in Alexander's homeland, the champion seeks his 28th career victory and to retain his title. Check out the UFC 325 fight card below (subject to change).

UFC 325 fight schedule

MAIN CARD

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Alexander Volkanovsky x Diego lopes – Fight for the belt

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Dan Hooker x Benoit Saint-Denis

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Raphael Fiziev x Mauricio Ruffy

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Tai tuivasa x Tallison Teixeira

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Jimmy crute x dustin jacoby

PRELIMINARY CARD

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Quillan Salkilld x Rong Zhu

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Junior Tafa x Billy Elekana

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Cam Rowston x Cody Brundage

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Jacob Malkoun x Torrez Finney

Welterweight (up to 77 kg): Jonathan Micallef x Oban Elliott

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Kaan Ofli x Yi Zha

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Sang Wook Kim x Dom Mar Fan

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Keiichiro Nakamura vs. Sebastian Szalay

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Sulang Rangbo x Lawrence Lui

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Aaron Tau vs. Namsrai Batbayar