Should UFC’s Reigning Champ Hang Up the Gloves? A Legend Weighs In on Volkanovski’s Future
UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar recently watched Alex Volkanovski’s latest title defense at UFC 325, where the featherweight champion secured a unanimous decision victory over Diego Lopes in Sydney. While Edgar witnessed Volkanovski’s undeniable greatness, he also saw a cautionary tale unfolding. But here’s where it gets controversial... Edgar believes now might be the perfect moment for Volkanovski to retire at the pinnacle of his career, a rare opportunity few fighters ever achieve.
“I would love for Volkanovski to say, ‘I’m out, I’m leaving as the champion,’” Edgar told MMA Junkie. “Because who gets to do that nowadays? Nobody. Not many people get their flowers in this sport, unfortunately, and he’s in a position where he can.” Edgar’s perspective is rooted in his own experiences, having faced the challenge of knowing when to step away. In 2013, he attempted a similar exit after earning a title shot following consecutive defeats, only to fall short against Jose Aldo. Later, at 37, he challenged Max Holloway for the belt in 2019, again coming up short.
And this is the part most people miss... Edgar’s journey highlights the delicate balance between staying competitive and overstaying one’s welcome. “I was kinda trying it [what Volkanovski achieved] myself,” Edgar admitted. “The fact that he got it done makes it cool to say it can happen. That’s for all these fighters out there. You see a guy get it done once and you’re like, ‘All right, that’s attainable.’ He’s definitely motivating a lot of people out there.”
Volkanovski’s latest win has reignited the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate in the featherweight division—a discussion Edgar believes is nearly impossible to settle. “It’s so tough to pick the GOATs of these weight classes,” he said. “In my era, it was Aldo without a doubt. Hands down. Then the next era, it’s without a doubt Alex.” Edgar points out the difficulty in comparing fighters from different eras, especially when their careers overlap at different stages.
Looking ahead, Volkanovski’s next title defense is expected to be against either Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy, two rising contenders. But here’s the bold take... Former UFC title challenger Kenny Florian believes Evloev, with his wrestling-heavy style and high-pressure approach, could pose the toughest challenge yet for Volkanovski. “Evloev brings a game similar to the guy that beat Volkanovski at 155 pounds,” Florian noted on The Anik Florian Pod. “That wrestling style, that high pressure, that conditioning is a style that can pose some problems for Volkanovski.”
Murphy, however, is confident he’s the one to dethrone the champion. After UFC 325, he told Ariel Helwani, “I really believe that Father Time catches up with everybody, and I think if I was in there, I would have gotten the job done.” Is Murphy right, or is he underestimating the champ?
Edgar, meanwhile, believes victories over either contender would further cement Volkanovski’s legacy, especially as he bridges the gap to the next generation. “I think it just shows how much of a force he was if he’s able to do that,” Edgar said.
So, here’s the question for you... Should Volkanovski retire now, leaving as a champion, or continue to test his limits against the next wave of contenders? And who do you think poses the bigger threat: Evloev or Murphy? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
