Volkanovski Promises Evloev Striking Battle At UFC 333

Alexander Volkanovski says Movsar Evloev will have no choice but to engage in a striking battle when the two meet at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi this October.

The featherweight champion, who finally secured his long-sought matchup with the undefeated No. 1 contender, told Main Event TV that he plans to neutralize Evloev's grappling threat and keep the fight standing. "He's gonna be put on the feet with me, and Movsar is gonna have to strike with me, and that's gonna end bad for him," Volkanovski said, per MMA Mania.

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Volkanovski Unfazed By Evloev's Wrestling Credentials

The 38-year-old Australian acknowledged the concerns surrounding Evloev's Chechen grappling pedigree but dismissed any notion that he would struggle with takedown defense. Volkanovski said he could handle the wrestling pressure indefinitely and expressed full confidence that Evloev would be unable to hold him down even if he secured a takedown. The champion pointed to his performance against Islam Makhachev as evidence that he can handle elite grapplers, noting that fans no longer expect him to be dominated on the mat.

Volkanovski enters the bout riding a two-fight winning streak as he chases the second defense of his second featherweight title reign. After losing the belt to Ilia Topuria via knockout in 2024, he recaptured the championship and continues proving that age is irrelevant in the lighter weight classes, where youth typically dominates.

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UFC 333 takes place in Abu Dhabi in October with Volkanovski defending against Evloev in the main event.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Alexander Volkanovski promises a brawl with Movsar Evloev: ‘He’s gonna have to strike with me’