Volkanovski, currently ranked as the Men's Pound-for-Pound #2 and the Featherweight champion, believes he presents a challenging matchup for Evloev. He told Paramount+ that while he considers Evloev the best in the division outside of himself, stylistically, it is one of the better matchups for him. Volkanovski further elaborated, stating that Evloev's skills, which pose problems for many fighters, do not trouble him.
The champion also commented on Evloev's fighting approach, noting that the challenger has secured all ten of his UFC victories by decision. Volkanovski asserted that it would be a difficult task for anyone to defeat him over 25 minutes, suggesting that Evloev's typical path to victory would not be effective against him. He even proposed that Evloev's best strategy might be to attempt a knockout rather than rely on his wrestling, anticipating that his own takedown defense would neutralize Evloev's grappling plans.
Movsar Evloev, the #1 ranked Featherweight contender, offered a direct response to Volkanovski's assessment. In an interview with MMA Junkie, Evloev called Volkanovski's approach "a little illogical" and declared, "I will do anything I want. Whenever I decide to take him down, I will take him down". Evloev, who maintains a perfect 10-0-0 UFC record, also highlighted improvements in his striking and expressed belief that his time to become champion is approaching.
Fighter Data Insights
Alexander Volkanovski enters UFC 333 with a UFC record of 15-3-0 across eighteen fights. The 37-year-old champion is coming off a unanimous decision win against Diego Lopes in January 2026 at UFC 325, following another unanimous decision victory over Lopes in April 2025. These wins followed two losses in 2024 and 2023, one by KO/TKO to Ilia Topuria in February 2024 and another by KO/TKO to Islam Makhachev in October 2023 in a Lightweight bout. Volkanovski boasts a 70% takedown defense rate.
Movsar Evloev, aged 32, holds an unblemished 10-0-0 UFC record over ten fights and is currently on a nine-fight UFC win streak. His most recent victory was a majority decision over Lerone Murphy in March 2026. Evloev is known for his wrestling prowess, averaging 4.7 takedowns per fight with 57% accuracy, and maintaining a 74% takedown defense. The upcoming bout marks his first championship opportunity.
The stylistic clash has drawn attention from other fighters. Dustin Poirier, for instance, has favored Evloev, citing Volkanovski's age and Evloev's current momentum. Former opponent Islam Makhachev also leans towards the challenger. Volkanovski's coach, Joe Lopez, reportedly acknowledged that Evloev's defensive grappling could present a favorable style for the champion to overcome.
UFC 333, featuring Volkanovski vs. Evloev for the Featherweight title, is scheduled to take place on October 24, 2026, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
By the numbers
| Fighter | UFC record | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Volkanovski | 15-3-0 | Featherweight champion |
| Movsar Evloev | 10-0-0 | Featherweight #1 |
UFC records count UFC fights only. Records and rankings from UFC Stats and ufc.com.
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