"I’m Done": Why UFC Legend Urges Volkanovski to Retire Immediately… and the Rising Star Who Might Take His Crown
When Frankie Edgar, a renowned UFC Hall of Famer, watched Alex Volkanovski’s most recent fight, he perceived two crucial elements: undeniable excellence and a cautionary signal.
At UFC 325, Volkanovski successfully defended his featherweight championship by securing a second victory over Diego Lopes, triumphing with a unanimous decision in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Sydney.
Looking ahead, UFC 326 is on the horizon, featuring a highly anticipated rematch between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira for the BMF Championship on March 8th in Las Vegas. Fans can catch all the action via Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Volkanovski, hailed as Australia’s finest MMA athlete, showcased once again why he has been a dominant force in the featherweight division. This impressive performance led Edgar to believe it might be the ideal moment for Volkanovski to consider retirement.
"I would absolutely love to see Volkanovski announce, ‘I’m done, I’m leaving while I’m still the champion,’" Edgar shared in an interview with MMA Junkie. "In today’s sport, how many fighters get that opportunity? Sadly, not many. He’s in a unique position to exit on top."
Edgar completely understands the challenges of stepping away from the octagon, especially when one is still competing at the highest level.
Having experienced his own struggles with this decision back in 2013 after losing consecutive fights yet earning another title shot, Edgar faced a tough battle against the legendary Jose Aldo. He also attempted to regain championship glory at the age of 37 in 2019, but once again fell short against Max Holloway.
"I was trying to achieve similar goals to what Volkanovski has realized," Edgar reflected. "His accomplishment proves it’s possible, which serves as inspiration for all fighters out there. Seeing someone achieve greatness makes it feel attainable for others. It’s incredibly motivating."
Volkanovski’s latest win has reignited the debate over who deserves the title of the greatest of all time (GOAT) in the featherweight category—an argument that Edgar believes is nearly impossible to resolve.
"Determining the GOATs in these weight classes is incredibly difficult," Edgar commented. "During my time, it was undoubtedly Aldo. No question about it. In the current era, however, it’s clear that Alex holds that title. Yet, even though they’ve fought each other, they did so at very different points in their careers, making direct comparisons somewhat challenging."
After his recent blockbuster victory, Volkanovski expressed anticipation for his next title defense, likely against one of the top contenders in the division—either Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy.
Edgar believes that victories against either of these rising stars would significantly bolster Volkanovski’s legacy. "It would enhance his standing, especially as he’s now a bit more seasoned. If he manages to secure victories against these younger fighters, it demonstrates his lasting impact and dominance in the sport," Edgar noted.
In related discussions, Kenny Florian, another former UFC title contender, suggested that Evloev could pose the toughest challenge for Volkanovski yet. "Evloev has a fighting style reminiscent of the opponent who previously defeated Volkanovski at 155 pounds," Florian explained on The Anik Florian Pod. "His wrestling, relentless pressure, and conditioning could create issues for Volkanovski. While Evloev may not have the striking experience, he possesses grappling skills that could neutralize much of Volkanovski's offense."
On the other hand, Murphy is confident in his ability to dethrone the reigning featherweight champion. Following UFC 325, he mentioned, "Watching that fight was painful; I truly believe I should have been the one competing. I’m convinced that Father Time catches up with everyone, and had I been in there, I would have secured the victory. That’s not to take anything away from Volk—he’s an exceptional fighter and is on top for a reason—but I’ve noticed several things in his game that I would have exploited."
This brings us to a critical point: Will Volkanovski take the leap and retire at the pinnacle of his career, or will he continue to face the next generation of talent? What are your thoughts on whether he should step away while still on top or keep fighting? Let’s hear your opinions in the comments!
