Alexander Volkanovski, at 38 years old, steps into the Octagon this Saturday in Abu Dhabi for UFC 333 not just to defend his featherweight title, but to etch his name deeper into the history books. The two-time champ is gunning for a win against the undefeated Movsar Evloev that would make him the all-time leader in featherweight title wins, surpassing legend Jose Aldo with nine, and tie Aldo’s record of seven title defenses at 145 pounds. But standing in his way is the 20-0 Movsar Evloev, finally getting his shot.
The Champ Says “Bring It On,” And He Means It
This isn’t Volkanovski’s first rodeo. The guy is 38 and a two-time featherweight champion, a living legend. His second reign kicked off in April 2025 when he snagged the vacant 145-pound title from Diego Lopes, bouncing back hard after a couple of stoppage defeats. Volkanovski, who holds a 28-4 record, has been openly campaigning to fight Movsar Evloev. Seriously, he’s been asking for this fight!
Even when the UFC decided to run it back with Lopes in February at UFC 325, a fight Volkanovski won even more efficiently, he was still talking about Evloev in his post-fight interview, welcoming the next contender. That’s just who he is. He told CBS Sports, “I think that’s how it should be. There is a responsibility being champ. That’s just how I have always been and how I always will be.” He gets that “people want wars” and “to be more exciting,” but for Volkanovski, it’s simple: “if you are the best, fight who is the best.” This is a champ who isn’t protecting his legacy, he’s building it by taking on all comers, especially the undefeated ones.
Movsar Evloev: 20-0 But Still An Underdog?
On the other side of the Octagon stands Movsar Evloev, a 32-year-old with a perfect 20-0 record. This guy has been waiting for his shot, with injuries and canceled fights playing a part in the delay, alongside some whispers about his marketability given he’s yet to finish a fight in his 10 Octagon appearances. Ten fights, no finishes, but still undefeated, that’s something, right?
Don’t sleep on his resume though. Evloev has stacked up wins against guys like Dan Ige, Diego Lopes (yeah, the same guy Volkanovski just beat twice, and Evloev has a 2023 win over him), Arnold Allen, former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling, and Lerone Murphy. It was that exciting majority decision win against Murphy in London back in March that finally punched his ticket to this main event in Abu Dhabi. He’s making his first title run and he’s basically even money against Volkanovski, one of the most skilled and decorated champions the sport has ever seen. That tells you everything about the challenge he brings, even if he hasn’t been knocking guys out cold.
So, Saturday in Abu Dhabi isn’t just another fight night. It’s Volkanovski fighting to become *the* featherweight king of kings, breaking records that have stood for ages. And it’s Evloev fighting to prove that his undefeated streak is legitimate, that he belongs at the top, and that the “old school” champ has finally met his match. Get ready, because this is going to be a clash of titans for the history books!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply