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Volkanovski Denies Retirement Talk, Sets UFC 325 Title Defense vs. Diego Lopes in Sydney

The 37-year-old casts the home bout as a statement performance with a quick turnaround in mind.

Overview

  • Alexander Volkanovski said he has no plans to retire and called speculation about UFC 325 being his last fight unfounded.
  • UFC 325 is set for February 1 at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena and will be the champion’s first featherweight title defense on home soil.
  • Volkanovski acknowledged fan pushback over Diego Lopes getting the rematch but backed the booking by citing Lopes’ activity and willingness to fight anyone.
  • He outlined a goal of taking minimal damage in Sydney, then quickly turning around to face contenders such as Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy.
  • Looking to 2026, Volkanovski said two strong defenses could justify pursuing rematches with Islam Makhachev or Ilia Topuria and potentially a champ-champ bid, while noting age and family factors could shape future choices.