Alexander Volkanovsky opens up about retirement before UFC 325. Photo: Reproduction/X
Alexander Volkanovsky He was candid when speaking about the future of his career on the eve of... UFC 325In an interview with Ariel Helwani, the featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) admitted that he does not intend to fight for much longer and acknowledged that, at the moment, he does not see himself as deserving of another chance 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
See too
Alexander Volkanovski defends his title against Diego Lopes at UFC 325.
O UFC 325 It's counting down to the reunion 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 fight card below. UFC 325 (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
Middleweight (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
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