Jean Silva expects Movsar Evloev to become UFC champion
The Brazilian believes Evloev will win at UFC 333 but acknowledges that Volkanovski's strategy and knockout power make him a dangerous opponent.
Although Jean Silva has a fight booked against Jose Delgado at Noche UFC 4 on Saturday, the Brazilian is already looking ahead to the UFC featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on Oct. 24. Silva expects Evloev to become the new champion and hopes to get a shot at the title next. However, he also recognizes that Volkanovski would be a dangerous opponent if he retains the belt.
Jean Silva Predicts Movsar Evloev to Win at UFC 333
Silva believes a victory over Delgado would put him in position to challenge for the featherweight title. For now, he expects Evloev to defeat Volkanovski and become the next champion.
"I think Evloev wins," Silva told MMA Fighting. "It'll be me and him. But if Evloev pulls out, then it's me and Volkanovski (at UFC 333). It doesn't matter. I'm next."
Evloev will enter UFC 333 undefeated and riding a 10-fight winning streak inside the Octagon. Volkanovski, meanwhile, will defend the featherweight title for the second time since reclaiming the belt last year.
Jean Silva Respects Alexander Volkanovski's Skills
Even though Silva expects Evloev to win, he does not underestimate Volkanovski. The Brazilian recognizes that the former longtime UFC champion's ability to follow a game plan and his knockout power could make him a particularly difficult opponent.
"He's not 100 percent in everything, but what he does is absurd," Silva said. "He sticks to a strategy, sticks to the game plan. He knows how to fight, he knows what needs to be done, and he has knockout power. Evloev doesn't have knockout power. The first hand that gets in, he's going down."
Silva will first have to get past Delgado at Noche UFC 4 on Saturday before he can think about a title fight. If he gets his hand raised, the Brazilian hopes to be next for the winner of Volkanovski vs. Evloev.
