Alexander Volkanovski is on fire with ambition, dead set on capturing that elusive second UFC championship belt – and his latest words prove he's more determined than ever to make it happen.
For those new to the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), becoming a two-division champion means holding titles in two different weight classes, like featherweight (around 145 pounds) and lightweight (around 155 pounds). It's a rare feat that cements a fighter's legacy as one of the all-time greats. Volkanovski, with an impressive record of 27-4 overall and 14-3 in the UFC, ruled the featherweight division during his first title run. But his dreams of adding lightweight gold hit roadblocks when he dropped two decisions to the dominant Islam Makhachev. Things took a tougher turn in their second clash at UFC 294, where a knockout loss left fans stunned. Not long after, Volkanovski had to defend his featherweight crown against the rising star Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, only to come up short and lose the belt.
Yet, just when it seemed like his championship days might be numbered, opportunity knocked again. Topuria decided to vacate the featherweight title – a move that shook up the division – paving the way for Volkanovski to battle for the empty throne against the surging Diego Lopes at UFC 314. In a gritty, hard-fought war, Volkanovski emerged victorious over Lopes (who stands at 27-7 MMA, 6-2 UFC), reclaiming his spot at the top. Now, the two warriors are set for an electrifying rematch, headlining UFC 325 on February 1 at the iconic Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia – catch it live on Paramount+.
But here's where it gets really intriguing: Volkanovski isn't just content with defending his current turf. In a candid chat with 10 News, he opened up about his burning desire to settle the score. 'I'd absolutely love to run it back and snag those victories against guys like Islam Makhachev or Ilia Topuria,' he shared. 'But I'm keeping it real – I get that I can't just demand a champ-champ showdown right off the bat. I've got to put in the grind here in featherweight first.' For beginners, a 'champ-champ' fight refers to a champion challenging for a title in another division while holding their own, which often stirs up debates about fairness and fighter health.
He emphasized the weight of the crown: 'Holding a championship isn't just about glory; it's a duty. I respect that, and I won't stall progress for the rest of the featherweight contenders waiting in the wings.' This grounded approach shows his maturity – after all, at 37, he's not rushing into legacy-defining risks without earning them. Volkanovski laid out a smart roadmap: Crush it in the upcoming Sydney showdown on February 1, perhaps follow with a swift return to action, and then target another unbeaten prospect. 'Once I've notched that win over yet another undefeated talent, I figure that'd justify calling out a champ-champ opportunity,' he added.
And this is the part most people miss – despite whispers of him winding down, Volkanovski is emphatic that he's far from done. Retirement rumors have swirled like smoke after his recent battles, but he shut them down quick. 'I've seen all that talk floating around, but honestly, no idea where it's coming from,' he laughed off in the interview. 'This isn't my farewell tour or anything like that – don't sweat it. I'll just keep rolling with the punches from here, but retirement? Not on the agenda.'
His vision is clear and strategic: Step into the Octagon, deliver a dominant performance with minimal wear and tear, make a bold statement to the world, and tee up a rapid next fight. He even name-dropped promising undefeated challengers like Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, hinting they could be key tests for building an unbreakable legacy. 'Those guys seem like they could be forces to reckon with,' he noted, 'and taking them down would add serious shine to my career.'
Now, let's stir the pot a bit – is Volkanovski's push for a second belt at this stage in his career a brilliant chase for immortality, or a risky gamble that could shorten his prime? Some fans argue he should solidify his featherweight dominance instead of eyeing lightweight again, especially after those bruising losses to Makhachev. What do you think? Drop your takes in the comments: Should 'The Great' go all-in on becoming a two-division king, or play it safe for the long haul? I'd love to hear if you're Team Champ-Champ or Team Featherweight Focus!
