Paddy Pimblett has expressed interest in a potential fight against Alexander Volkanovski, particularly as the latter approaches a decisive bout in his career. Volkanovski is scheduled to defend his UFC featherweight title against Diego Lopes at UFC 325 in Sydney on February 1, 2024, in a rematch following their previous encounter ten months ago, where Volkanovski secured a unanimous decision victory.
Volkanovski’s return to the octagon comes after a challenging period in which he was set to face top contenders Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy. Instead, UFC CEO Dana White granted Lopes a rematch, allowing Volkanovski the chance to solidify his status in front of a home crowd. Despite ongoing retirement speculation, Volkanovski has publicly denied any plans to retire, emphasizing his commitment to continuing his illustrious MMA career.
Many fans and analysts believe the bout at the Qudos Bank Arena could serve as an ideal moment for the 37-year-old champion to retire on a high note. In contrast, Paddy Pimblett, currently preparing to face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24, 2024, suggests that success in their respective fights could lead to a clash between the two fighters.
Speaking in a recent interview with UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, Pimblett remarked, “I’ve heard people saying that Volk might retire after this fight because it’s in Australia. But you don’t know, do you? People say that all the time, and then they fight again.” While Aspinall, an admirer of Volkanovski, hopes he will retire after the Lopes fight, Pimblett speculated about the possibility of Volkanovski considering a fight against him.
“If I win, though, and he wins, and I get upgraded to undisputed champion—then I wouldn’t be surprised if he thinks it’s the perfect opportunity to win the lightweight belt,” Pimblett noted. This reflects a keen understanding of the competitive landscape of the UFC and the potential for high-stakes matchups between champions from different weight classes.
Volkanovski’s journey in the UFC has seen him transition from featherweight champion to contender in the lightweight division. He made his lightweight debut in 2016 and captured the featherweight title three years later. His attempts to secure a second title at 155 pounds included fights against current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. Although he faced setbacks against Makhachev, Volkanovski rebounded with a dominant performance against Lopes at UFC 314, reclaiming his title.
As Volkanovski prepares for his rematch with Lopes, he faces not only the challenge of defending his belt but also the looming question of his future in the sport. The upcoming event, UFC 325, promises to be an exciting card, featuring notable matchups including Dan Hooker versus Benoit Saint Denis and a striking bout between Rafael Fiziev and Mauricio Ruffy. Heavyweight fighter Tai Tuivasa is also set to make his return to the octagon against Tallison Teixeira.
The implications of UFC 325 extend beyond just title defenses. Should both Volkanovski and Pimblett emerge victorious, the potential for a highly anticipated clash could reshape the lightweight division and add another chapter to the storied careers of both fighters. As anticipation builds for February 1, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the outcomes unfold and what they mean for the future of these two prominent MMA figures.
