Alexander Volkanovski has addressed ongoing speculation about his retirement plans, offering insights into his future in mixed martial arts while remaining noncommittal about an exact timeline. During a recent interview, Volkanovski spoke candidly about where he stands in his career, highlighting the complexities surrounding the decision and reaffirming that he still has motivation to compete, putting the spotlight on the Alexander Volkanovski retirement timeline for UFC fans and observers.
Regarded as one of the top featherweights in MMA history, Volkanovski has built a remarkable legacy in the sport. Earlier this year, he made a notable return to the octagon, facing Diego Lopes for the vacant 145-pound championship at UFC 314. Displaying determination and skill, the Australian fighter secured a unanimous decision win, reclaiming the featherweight title for the second time and reinforcing his reputation as a dominant force in the division.
Volkanovski Reflects on Career Longevity and Next Steps
While appearing on the FLAGRANT podcast, Volkanovski was asked about his future in MMA and whether he had set a retirement date. Instead of committing to a specific endpoint, the 36-year-old athlete shared that he still finds fulfillment in training and competition. He also acknowledged that the end of his tenure in the sport may not be far off.
”It’s a tricky one. You know what I mean, it’s something that you are going to always think about, like I’m not going to lie to you and be like, ‘oh I got heaps more left in me’. That’s not the case, but I know it’s not too far away where it probably, we probably will be hanging the gloves up, but I still got some fight left in me. We’ll see each fight as it goes. I mean, I felt great in last camp. I really took it serious, and I wouldn’t do it as long. It was a long a*s camp, but I would like to you know bring the weight down early.” —Alexander Volkanovski, UFC Champion
Volkanovski’s journey over the past two years has included major challenges and dramatic moments. He attempted to capture the UFC lightweight title twice, facing Islam Makhachev on both occasions but falling short each time. In addition, he suffered a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, putting his championship reign in jeopardy. Nevertheless, his recent victory against Diego Lopes signaled a resurgence, bringing him back into the winner’s circle and demonstrating his enduring competitiveness.
Friendly Encounter With Jean Silva and Future Prospects
Recently, Volkanovski joined his City Kickboxing team in Las Vegas, Nevada, during UFC 317. While in attendance, he met Jean Silva and several other members of the Fighting Nerds gym backstage. The gathering was marked by laughter and camaraderie, as both teams shared a lighthearted face-off in front of cameras, highlighting the sportsmanship prevalent in the MMA community.
Although no official word has emerged regarding Volkanovski’s next opponent, the featherweight scene is rapidly evolving. Jean Silva could solidify his status as a potential challenger if he manages an impressive win against Diego Lopes at UFC Noche scheduled for September. The anticipation surrounding possible matchups reflects the depth and intrigue in the division, with fans keeping a close watch on future announcements from the UFC.
As Alexander Volkanovski weighs his options and progresses through the later stages of his career, his comments and recent performances demonstrate that while his retirement is a topic of discussion, his drive remains undiminished. The decisions he makes in the coming months are likely to shape the trajectory of the featherweight division and influence the roster of potential title contenders both in Australia and around the world.