Movsar Evloev reveals past training connection with Alexander Volkanovski ahead of UFC 333 clash

After years of being in the featherweight title mix, Movsar Evloev has finally gotten his call, and he is set to fight the reigning featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, as the event headliner of UFC 333. The fight is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Ahead of the highly anticipated bout, Evloev revealed an interesting connection with his upcoming opponent. The Russian said he trained with Volkanovski years ago, before signing with the UFC. That adds another intriguing factor to an already exciting fight.

Movsar Evloev reveals he trained with Alexander Volkanovski

Speaking about his history with Volkanovski on 'MMA Fighting,' Evloev said they shared the mats several years ago at the same gym. At the time, Evloev was competing at bantamweight and had not yet signed with the UFC.

“Yeah, . I used to be a bantamweight at that time. It was before the UFC. We just had a couple of rounds. We trained at the same gym,” Evloev said. 

Check out Movsar Evloev's comments below: 

Both fighters have evolved since. Volkanovski has arguably cemented himself as the featherweight GOAT, while Evloev remains undefeated with 20 wins, including 10 in the UFC, which earned him the title shot.

Now that Evloev has revealed he trained with Volkanovski in the past, it adds more intrigue to the fight. It will give the Russian fighter some familiarity with the champion's game before they share the octagon, but it will be limited, as both fighters have evolved exceptionally in their fighting styles.

Speaking of styles, Evloev brings a heavy wrestling-based style to the octagon, while Volkanovski likes to outstrike his opponents. In the buildup, the champion has vowed to defend the takedown and keep the fight standing.

Movsar Evloev responds to Alexander Volkanovski's plan to keep the fight standing

Evloev has now reacted to Volkanovski's promise to keep the fight standing. He emphasized that he is preparing for every aspect of MMA.

The Russian explained that his training camp has focused on every area, including striking, while he remains confident in his ability to take the champion down when he chooses.

"For this camp, we do everything. We're ready to do a 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. "But like I said, I can take him down whenever I want, and how like that often."

Evloev kept his recent fight against Lerone Murphy standing and didn't shoot for the takedown as much as he has in previous fights. He faced adversity but overcame it to secure a majority decision victory.

If Evloev plans to do the same against Volkanovski, it will be a long fight for the challenger.