Get ready for an epic debate! The UFC world is buzzing with the question: Will cult hero Alex Volkanovski, the featherweight king, hang up his gloves after his upcoming title defense, or is he eyeing a second UFC title?
'I don't want to fight him, but...' - This is the intriguing dilemma facing Volkanovski and his fans.
Volkanovski, at 37, is set to battle Diego Lopes in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 325 in Sydney. This will be their second encounter, with Volkanovski claiming a unanimous decision victory in their previous meeting at UFC 314.
Despite rumors of a potential retirement, Volkanovski has hinted at a possible return to lightweight, a division he has already challenged for.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, a self-proclaimed Volk fan, hopes the fighter retires after his next win. He doesn't want to see Volkanovski face Paddy Pimblett, who is set to battle Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324.
Pimblett, however, believes Volkanovski might be eyeing a fight with him next.
"I think if I win, and he wins, and I get upgraded to undisputed champion, I wouldn't be surprised if he sees that as his best chance to become lightweight champ by beating me," Pimblett said.
And this is the part most people miss...
Volkanovski has unfinished business in the lightweight division. He pushed Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight king, to the brink in a close decision loss at UFC 284. Despite a first-round defeat in their rematch, Volkanovski is determined to prove himself in this division.
Meanwhile, top featherweight contender Lerone Murphy is stunned he wasn't given a title shot against Volkanovski. Murphy, on a 10-fight unbeaten streak, believes Volkanovski will retire after his next fight.
"That's a legend. Testing my skills against him, having his name on my resume, that's massive," Murphy said.
Murphy was confident a short-notice bout against Aaron Pico at UFC 319 would earn him a title shot, and he delivered a brutal KO. But instead, Lopes was given the rematch, leaving Murphy on the sidelines.
Volkanovski, however, has no plans to retire after his next fight. He's open to rematches with Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, stating, "I still know I've got work to do in my division."
So, will Volkanovski retire or chase another title? The debate is on! What do you think? Should Volk retire or continue his quest for UFC glory? Let's discuss in the comments!
