Movsar Evloev Declares He's In His Prime Ahead of Alexander Volkanovski Showdown
Movsar Evloev is set to have his biggest UFC fight yet in October, and he believes that opportunity comes at the perfect time.
Alexander Volkanovski's featherweight title defense against Movsar Evloev will headline UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. However, the Russian fighter's journey to challenge the kingpin was anything but straightforward. Still, Evloev has zero regrets.
Movsar Evloev Claims Perfect Timing for Title Shot
The former M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion has had a staggering 11 total fight cancellations in his UFC career. While that has definitely impaired his momentum, Evloev believes the setbacks carried their own meaning.
Speaking with ESPN, Evloev addressed whether he'd have appreciated a faster rise to the top. He replied with conviction.
"Honestly, I think I got here exactly when I'm most ready, and all that stuff that happened to me before was only for good reason. and and now I'm really thinking that I'm in my prime. So I got here in right time."
One of the earliest interruptions came in 2022 when a positive COVID-19 test forced the Russian to withdraw from his bout against Ilia Topuria for UFC 270. Injuries that his opponents sustained also derailed multiple notable fights, including Bryce Mitchell and Aljamain Sterling.
More recently, another serious coronavirus-like illness ended his showdown against Aaron Pico before it even got off the ground. He eventually came back with a UD win over Lerone Murphy earlier this year. And while it's safe to assume the undefeated fighter's title run might have come sooner if not for these obstacles, Evloev has only come back stronger.
Movsar Evloev Confident in Wrestling to Edge Out Another Decision Victory
The Russian fighter is entering the Octagon as an underdog against the two-time featherweight champion. However, the odds mean little to Evloev, who is ready to throw fists too if Volkanovski keeps the fight on the feet.
"For this camp, we do everything we're ready to do striking match, as he said he's going to make this fight a striking match. Okay, in this case we're ready for striking too," Evloev explained.
Yet, the American Top Team phenom believes he'll be the one in charge of where the exchange takes place.
"But like I said, I can take him down whenever I want, and how like that often."
Clearly, with training partners like Alexandre Pantoja and Javid Basharat in his latest camp and a 15-month sabbatical before the Murphy clash, Movsar Evloev has a lethal arsenal at his disposal. To challenge that conviction, however, Volkanovski has also stepped up his own grappling game.
With both fighters adapting to the specific threats each presents, the UFC 333 main eventer is primed to be a showstopper.
