UFC 325 Isn’t Retirement Fight Says Alexander Volkanovski and Wants Undefeated Contenders Next

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski promises to extend legacy with undefeated fighters after Diego Lopes rematch at UFC 325.

UFC 325 Isn’t Retirement Fight Says Alexander Volkanovski and Wants Undefeated Contenders Next

Alexander Volkanovski vows to fight undefeated contenders next (via MMA Fighting, Bloody Elbow)

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The UFC featherweight division continues to shift rapidly as multiple contenders build strong cases for a title shot. With several undefeated fighters rising, the landscape remains competitive. Despite this depth, the UFC proceeded with Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2 for UFC 325. Recently, Volkanovski has stated he intends to give other undefeated contenders opportunities if he wins at UFC 325.

Volkanovski recently recaptured the featherweight championship at UFC 314, marking a significant turning point in his career. In that matchup, he dismantled Lopes in their first meeting and showed clear improvements across all areas. The victory was especially significant because it came after his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, a setback that halted his long reign.

At 37 years old, Volkanovski now competes in the later stages of his career. He even expressed surprise that the UFC did not schedule Lerone Murphy or Movsar Evloev as his next challengers. Instead, the promotion pushed forward with the immediate rematch against Lopes. This decision ultimately framed the context of his recent comments regarding undefeated contenders.

It hasn’t been planned to be my last fight, so you don’t really need to worry about that. There’s definitely no plans of that. My plan is going out there, and as I told you, not taking too much damage, going out there and really setting a statement, be really impressive in there, and maybe get a quick turnaround. I think you’ve got a couple of other guys as well, like Movsar [Evloev], Lerone Murphy, undefeated and all that. So, for the legacy, they look like they might be pretty good as well.

Alexander Volkanovski via 10NewsAU

Evloev has remained the long-standing No. 1 featherweight contender, holding his position through consistent wins. His résumé includes key victories over former champion Aljamain Sterling and established contender Arnold Allen. These performances have solidified his status in the division. He has also stated he is willing to wait as long as needed for his long-anticipated title shot.

Murphy gained significant momentum after his spinning elbow knockout of Aaron Pico at UFC 319, a finish that boosted his standing. The victory extended his undefeated run and kept him firmly in the title conversation. Volkanovski has recognized him as a viable challenger following that surge. Murphy now remains close to a title shot as the division determines its next contenders.

For Alexander Volkanovski, the stakes at this stage extend beyond a single defense. His decisions, opponents, and results will shape the division’s trajectory in the coming years. Whether he remains champion or eventually cedes the position, his role continues to influence the featherweight hierarchy. His legacy is tied to how the Australian champion navigates this final competitive chapter.

Alexander Volkanovski has not given up on two-division championship glory

Alexander Volkanovski has pursued two-division champion ambitions twice during Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title reign. Their first meeting ended in a unanimous decision loss for Volkanovski, marking his earliest setback in the quest for double-champion status. A short-notice rematch months later ended in a head-kick knockout defeat. Those attempts temporarily halted his push for lightweight gold.

Alexander Volkanovski gets an interesting proposal from fellow UFC featherweight fighter
Alexander Volkanovski (via MMA Fighting)

The Makhachev bouts marked the beginning of a brutal stretch, as Volkanovski later lost his featherweight title as well. However, he regained momentum by defeating Diego Lopes and reclaiming the championship. That victory restored stability in his career and reestablished him as a top divisional force. With the belt back in hand, he believes he is again positioned to chase two-division glory.

I’d love to rematch and get the wins back, like Islam Makhachev or Ilia Topuria. But I’m pretty real with it, I understand I can’t call for champ-champ right now. Maybe after what I’m planning to do to [Diego Lopes], maybe get a turnaround and get another victory over an undefeated guy, and then maybe that’s fair to be calling out for a champ-champ fight.

Alexander Volkanovski via 10NewsAU

The landscape around him has shifted, with Ilia Topuria now holding the lightweight championship and Islam Makhachev competing as the welterweight titleholder. These changes create a new set of stakes for Volkanovski as he considers future opportunities. The path to becoming a two-division champion is more complex, but still within reach if he continues to win.

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