UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski reflected on potential retirement as he enters the latter stages of his MMA career.
Volkanovski turns 38 years old next month, and in October, he defends his featherweight title in the main event of UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.
Depending on how that fight plays out, this could be the end of the Aussie’s Hall of Fame career.
Alexander Volkanovski Admits Retirement is On The Table
Speaking to 10 News, Volkanovski said that he plans to continue fighting. But if the fight with Movsar Evloev doesn’t go the way that he plans, then retirement could be on the table.
“If things go terribly wrong, alright we’re done. If things go very well, like the last one no damage, alright we’ll keep it rolling. Taking each fight as it goes. I’m just trying to be real with it. But I don’t have plans on retiring right now,” Volkanovski said.
Volkanovski Gets Tough Title Challenger in Evloev
There is no doubt that Volkanovski has a tough test ahead of him in undefeated title challenger Evloev, who is 20-0 in his MMA career, including a 10-0 UFC record.
Volkanovski is, by far, the most experienced featherweight in the UFC right now, and by far the most successful, as he is a two-time champion at 145 lbs.
That being said, Evloev presents different challenges than Volkanovski’s previous opponents have presented him, as he is one of the best grinders in the sport, and he also has solid striking skills, not to mention an endless gas tank.
The betting odds for this fight are very close. The opening odds saw Volkanovski as a -115 betting favorite, with Evloev as a -105 betting underdog. That essentially means the oddsmakers see this fight as a coin flip, but with a slight lean towards Volkanovski as the reigning, defending UFC featherweight champion.
It will be difficult to predict what will happen in this fight, as both men match up closely against one another. Most likely, it will be a fight that goes the full five rounds, with the winner ultimately being the one who has the slight edge in the bout.
Alexander Volkanovski Reflects on Potential UFC Retirement