Alexander Volkanovski strengthened his claim as the greatest featherweight of all time, stopping previously unbeaten Movsar Evloev inside two rounds at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi to record a historic ninth title-fight victory.
Alexander Volkanovski (Credits: BBC Sport)
The 38-year-old Australian became the first opponent to defeat the Russian, unleashing a lethal ground-and-pound barrage in the final seconds of the second round at the Etihad Arena. As Volkanovski poured on punches, referee Marc Goddard waved off the fight with Evloev unable to defend himself.
With the victory, Volkanovski became the first UFC featherweight to win nine title fights, surpassing Brazilian legend Jose Aldo‘s record of eight. It was also his second successful defence since regaining the vacant title last April, after losing his belt to Ilia Topuria in February 2024.
Volkanovski vs Evloev: how UFC 333’s main event unfolded
Evloev, fighting in the first title fight of his UFC career seven years after his debut, was not overwhelmed by the occasion. He settled straight into the contest, and the first round was closer than most expected — the challenger finished it with more significant strikes and takedowns despite a strong start from the champion.
But once Volkanovski turned the screw at the start of the second round, clipping his rival and momentarily sending him to the floor, the tide turned decisively. The decisive moment came in the final minute of the round, when an overhand right overpowered Evloev, Volkanovski secured top position, and the finishing sequence followed.
“He’s a great fighter, and he was undefeated for a reason. I just said I’m the right guy for that job,” Volkanovski said. “I have nothing but respect for him. It feels good to get a finish.”
Evloev was gracious in defeat. “He’s like good wine — older, stronger, better. He’s a true legend, I’m grateful for this opportunity to be here,” he said. “I didn’t prove that I am the best. I’m not there yet. Maybe we’ll try again.”
Petr Yan retains bantamweight title in UFC 333 co-main event
In the co-main event, Russia’s Petr Yan defeated Georgia’s Merab Dvalishvili in a breathtaking trilogy fight, making a successful first defence of his bantamweight title by unanimous decision. Yan, in his first fight since dethroning Dvalishvili last December, recovered from a sluggish start after a perfectly placed liver kick in the final minute of the third round shifted the momentum.
“I usually take a little bit of time to warm into a fight, but in this one, I knew he was eventually going to gas out,” Yan said. The victory took him to 13 wins in the bantamweight division, with only Aljamain Sterling and Chito Vera (14) recording more.
As for Volkanovski, each fight now brings him closer to the end of his UFC career — but the champion sounded in no rush to walk away. “I’m so blessed. I’m very happy to be where I am and to be able to do what I’m doing in this sport — and choose to do it. I don’t have to. I said if I didn’t take too much damage, we’d probably keep going. So maybe we keep going.”
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
