Alexander Volkanovski’s recent win over Diego Lopes at UFC 314 reestablished him as the featherweight division’s champion, yet the former pound-for-pound leader revealed that his family urged him to retire immediately after the fight. The Australian star shared these insights during an interview on Demetrious Johnson’s YouTube channel, explaining how his loved ones hoped he would end his career in the Octagon that night.
Volkanovski stated,
“Straight after the fight, my whole family was just like, ‘Why didn’t you just put the gloves down in the middle of the octagon straight away?’ They all wanted me to retire.”
Despite their wishes, he is determined to continue competing at the highest level.
He added,
“They all wanted me to, but now that I’m making the decision to keep going, I’m not probably going to bring that back up purely because maybe they’re worried about affecting my frame of mind. Which I’m all right, they can say what they want, I’ll deal with that OK.”
—Alexander Volkanovski, Featherweight Champion
While his family’s concerns highlight the physical toll of his career, Volkanovski remains committed to defending his title and pursuing new challenges.
Volkanovski Eyes Title Defense and Potential Matchup with Movsar Evloev
After defeating Lopes, Volkanovski expressed interest in facing Movsar Evloev, who currently holds an undefeated professional record. He hopes to be the one to end Evloev’s streak and solidify his dominance in the featherweight division. However, Evloev is scheduled to fight Aaron Pico next. UFC President Dana White recently indicated that if Evloev secures a victory against Pico, he will likely earn a shot at Volkanovski’s title.
For now, Volkanovski remains in a waiting phase, prepared to defend his championship once the UFC finalizes its upcoming event schedule. His eagerness to face new contenders underscores his competitive spirit and readiness to maintain his reign as featherweight kingpin.
Volkanovski Invests in a Large Farm Home Ahead of Title Bout
Prior to his fight with Diego Lopes, Alexander Volkanovski purchased a 50-acre farm property for his family, signaling a significant personal investment away from the sport. During a conversation with Demetrious Johnson, the champ revealed details about the farm, describing it as an off-grid retreat that remains conveniently close to essential services.
He explained,
“It’s 50 acres, I’ve got main power, I’m off a natural spring, so I get my water from a natural spring which is cool. It’s sort of off-grid, [but] still close to everything.”
Volkanovski shared further that the location feels isolated yet practical, stating,
“I feel like I’m in the middle of nowhere, you would think I’m in the middle of nowhere, but school’s 20 minutes away, the gym’s 25, the highway’s 10.”
—Alexander Volkanovski, Featherweight Champion
This farm represents a balance between a peaceful lifestyle for his family and the ongoing demands of his MMA career.
Upcoming UFC Events and Volkanovski’s Potential Title Defense Timing
The UFC has not yet announced headlining fights for upcoming pay-per-view cards UFC 320 through UFC 323. Following Dana White’s statement about Movsar Evloev’s potential title shot with a win over Aaron Pico, Volkanovski is awaiting official scheduling for his next title defense.
The UFC plans to hold two pay-per-view events in October: UFC 320 in Las Vegas on October 4 and UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25. November will see UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden, followed by a December pay-per-view at T-Mobile Arena. With Volkanovski and his wife expecting a baby in September, an early October title defense appears unlikely.
Considering his personal commitments, the featherweight champion may target a November or December return to the Octagon. Defending his title at Madison Square Garden or T-Mobile Arena later this year aligns with his readiness to balance family life with professional obligations.