Alexander Volkanovski is staring down one of the biggest decisions of his legendary career, and not everyone believes chasing another belt is the right move.
The former featherweight king is set to face Diego Lopes in a controversial rematch at UFC 325, less than a year after their first meeting ended in a largely one-sided beating. A win would keep Volkanovski in the title picture and potentially reopen the door to a lightweight run as he eyes becoming a two-division champion.
However, UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall thinks that path comes with too much risk. Volkanovski is 37 years old and has suffered brutal knockouts in two of his previous fights prior to the Lopes decision. For Aspinall, that history matters more than legacy chasing.
“I hope he does retire, and I’m the biggest Volk fan out there,” Aspinall said while speaking with Paddy Pimblett.
“I want him to retire if he wins this one, leave it… We don’t want two mates fighting each other.”
The Sydney bout represents something close to a homecoming for Volkanovski, who hails from Wollongong. For many fans, UFC 325 feels like the perfect stage for a final walk, should “The Great” choose to take it.
Still, Volkanovski has publicly shut down retirement talk. He insists he has no plans to step away and remains focused on adding to an already historic résumé.
Pimblett, however, sees another scenario playing out, one that could tempt Volkanovski into staying longer than planned.
“I think if I win and he wins, and I get upgraded to undisputed champ, it wouldn’t surprise me if Volkanovski thinks that’s the perfect opportunity to win the lightweight belt,” Pimblett said.
“I don’t want to fight Volk, I proper like Volk. But he probably looks at it and thinks, ‘That’s my best chance to become lightweight champ, beating Paddy.’”
Volkanovski was originally expected to defend his status against top contenders like Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy. Instead, UFC CEO Dana White approved a Lopes rematch, a decision that sparked debate across the MMA community.
Despite the noise, Volkanovski remains unmoved. He continues to train, compete, and push back against the idea that UFC 325 should be his curtain call. Aspinall, though, stands firm, even as a fan.
“I’m the biggest fan of Volkanovski,” Aspinall admitted. “That’s exactly why I hope he retires after this.”
Whether UFC 325 becomes another chapter or the final page in Volkanovski’s storied career will soon be answered. For now, the featherweight great walks toward the Octagon with history behind him and a future that remains undecided.
