Alexander Volkanovski continues to defy time, trends, and expectations. The UFC featherweight champion delivered another masterclass at UFC 325, outpointing Diego Lopes for the second time in under a year and doing so with complete control from bell to bell. It was vintage Volkanovski—measured, relentless, and authoritative—and one of the most dominant performances of his storied career.
At 37, Volkanovski looks anything but finished. He shut down Lopes’ offense, dictated the pace, and reminded everyone why he still sits at the top of the 145-pound division. With contenders like Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev set to clash in a No. 1 contender bout at UFC London on March 21, fresh challengers are lining up. But not everyone thinks Volkanovski should be around to face them.
UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar believes Volkanovski has already done enough and then some.
Speaking with MMA Junkie, Edgar shared a rare and honest take on Volkanovski’s future, suggesting that now might be the perfect time for the champion to step away.
“I would love for Volkanovski to say, ‘I’m out, I’m leaving as the champion,’” Edgar said. “Because who gets to do that nowadays? Nobody. Not many people get their flowers in this sport, unfortunately, and he’s in a position where he can. I totally get why he doesn’t want to because he’s still competing and the best in the world.”
Edgar’s comments come after Volkanovski silenced doubts that followed consecutive knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. Many questioned whether the Australian had reached the end of his run. Instead, Volkanovski answered with a title win and a dominant defense, effectively flipping the narrative.
Volkanovski himself hinted at retirement in the buildup to UFC 325, dropping subtle comments that fueled speculation. But following his emphatic win in Sydney, the champion made it clear—through actions more than words—that he isn’t ready to go anywhere.
His longtime coach, Joe Lopez, recently suggested Volkanovski may have around four fights left before calling it a career. Edgar, however, sees danger in pushing that limit, especially given the damage Volkanovski has absorbed in recent years.
Edgar’s perspective carries weight because he’s lived it. Late in his career, Edgar tried to extend his run against younger, faster opposition. The results were brutal knockout losses to Cory Sandhagen, Marlon Vera, and Chris Gutierrez before he finally retired at UFC 281.
“I was kinda trying it myself,” Edgar admitted.“The fact that he got it done makes it cool to say it can happen. That’s for all these fighters out there. You see a guy get it done once and you’re like, ‘Alright, that’s attainable.’ He’s definitely motivating a lot of people out there.”
Still, Edgar worries about what comes next if Volkanovski keeps pushing into the next generation of contenders.
“He’s a little long in the tooth now,” Edgar said.“If he goes against these younger guys, he starts bridging into the next generation. If he can still beat them, it just shows how much of a force he really was.”
Volkanovski’s résumé stacks up against anyone in featherweight history. He holds wins over legends like Jose Aldo and Max Holloway, going a combined 4-0 against them. For Edgar, that places Volkanovski firmly as the defining champion of his era.
“In my era, it was Aldo without a doubt,” Edgar said.“Then the next era, it’s without a doubt Alex. That’s how you’ve got to look at it.”
Whether Volkanovski chooses to chase more title defenses or heed Edgar’s advice and walk away on top remains to be seen. What’s undeniable is that Volkanovski has already secured his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
For now, the champion keeps moving forward—still sharp, still motivated, and still setting the standard at 145 pounds. Whether UFC 325 becomes the closing chapter or just another milestone in the Volkanovski story is a decision only he can make.
