UFC featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski says his own family pushed him to retire immediately after reclaiming his title earlier this year — but he’s not done just yet.
After a brutal stretch that included back-to-back knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, the 35-year-old Aussie made a triumphant return in April, defeating Diego Lopes at UFC 314 to win the vacant 145-pound crown. But even as the confetti settled, Volkanovski revealed that his inner circle was ready to see him walk away for good.
“Straight after the fight, my whole family was just like, ‘Why didn’t you just put the gloves down in the middle of the octagon straight away?’ They all wanted me to retire,” Volkanovski admitted in a recent interview with fellow UFC veteran Demetrious Johnson.
Alexander Volkanovski hitting pads while going fishing on a boat 😭
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— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 29, 2024
“They all wanted me to, but now that I’m making the decision to keep going, I’m not probably going to bring that back up purely because maybe they’re worried about affecting my frame of mind,” he continued. “Which I’m all right, they can say what they want, I’ll deal with that OK.”
The emotional tug-of-war between family concern and professional ambition is one Volkanovski doesn’t shy away from. Known for his grit and relentless pace inside the Octagon, he made it clear that fighting has always been about one thing: providing for his loved ones.
“I’m going to be real: A lot of people don’t want to talk about this, but I always was fighting for money, looking after my family. If I’m going to get punched in the face to do so, yeah, whatever, I’ll try not to,” he said. “It’s never been about my actual legacy. Yeah, legacy that I leave behind is only going to help me build my empire for my family, and that’s all that matters for me. The legacy will come with that.”
Volkanovski (27-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC) isn’t showing signs of slowing down. With the featherweight title back around his waist, he’s already eyeing the next challenge. That could come in the form of Yair Rodriguez or the winner of the UFC on ABC 9 co-main event between Movsar Evloev and Aaron Pico on July 26.
For now, the champ is staying locked in — even if his family has made their feelings clear.
