Alexander Volkanovski is staring down an important UFC featherweight title defense against Diego Lopes this weekend at UFC 325 LIVE on Paramount+ from Sydney, Australia, but “The Great” will be looking to fight at least twice more in 2026.
Late last year, rumors began to surface that suggested Volkanovski could be headed to retirement in short time. After all, the 37-year-old veteran isn’t getting any younger and has accomplished everything there is to accomplish at 145 pounds, especially after winning
his belt back at UFC 314 in April 2025. Some believed that Volkanovski’s days inside of the Octagon could be numbered, but the UFC legend put those rumors to rest heading into 2026 and is now looking to stay as busy as possible.
Volkanovski, who will be fighting for just the second time in the past two years this weekend in Australia, is hoping to get at least two more fights in after UFC 325. This would include something mid-year and then a third fight towards the end of 2026. That would be a pretty active schedule for the aging champion, especially considering he’s only had three UFC fights in a calendar year in 2023 and 2018.
Check out Volkanovski’s 2026 plans below and let us know if they are a little too optimistic!
“I’m 37 years old, I’m gonna have to be active,” Volkanovski told reports earlier this year. “Mid-year sounds good, and then that gives me plenty of time for later in the year.”
UFC 325 will go down tomorrow night (Sat., Jan. 31, 2026) from inside Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, and feature the main event rematch between Volkanovski and Lopes. In co-main event action, lightweight veterans Dan Hooker and Benoit Saint Denis will square off in an absolute barn burner.
For more UFC 325 fight card news click HERE.
