‘Not Another Boring Fight’: Alexander Volkanovski Promises a Striking War Against Movsar Evloev
The UFC featherweight champion promised a strike-heavy fight against one of the division's best grapplers in his upcoming championship defense.
Movsar Evloev is unbeaten in his professional career (20-0). He has a ten-fight unbeaten run in the UFC. He has defeated notable contenders and past champions, including Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, and Diego Lopes.
Evloev's career is based on world-class wrestling and suffocating grappling, which Volkanovski understands. Nonetheless, he feels he will dictate the bout at UFC 333.
Alexander Volkanovski Vows to Make It Striking Fight Against Movsar Evloev
In his second title defense this year, Volkanovski will take on the Russian star on 24 October in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the battle, Volkanovski sat for an interview with Main Event TV and predicted the fight.
Volkanovski is aware that fans are expecting a grappling-heavy contest, but he stated that the bout will go the other way. "People are worried, you know, people are going to sit there and be like, 'Oh, is it going to be another boring fight?' He ain't holding me down. It's going to be a striking fight because I'm going to keep it there," Volkanovski said.
Volkanovski's takedown defense is one of his most underestimated skills. His footwork and cage movement make it tough for his opponents to land a clean takedown, as seen during the Islam Makhachev and Max Holloway fights.
Meanwhile, Evloev is equally deadly on his feet as he is on the ground. The Russian star averages 3.91 significant strikes per minute with 62.48% accuracy, outperforming Volkanovski's 59.97%.
However, both parties are expected to give it their all in this fight, since they have both stated that if they lose one-sided, it will be their last.
One Of Them Might Retire after UFC 333
The 37-year-old champion has said that if his fight at UFC 333 goes "terribly wrong," he might hang up his gloves. However, if all goes well and he doesn’t take significant damage, he may be able to continue.
When asked about his opinions on Volkanovski's plan, Evloev replied, "same thing." Thus, if he fails to overcome Volkanovski and become the next champion, he might consider retiring.
