Alexander Volkanovski believes he can produce one of the best performances of his career when he defends his UFC featherweight title against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on October 24.
The Australian champion (28-4) will face Evloev (20-0) at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, with the Russian challenger looking to extend his unbeaten record and claim his first UFC title. Evloev has won all 10 of his UFC appearances by decision, but Volkanovski is confident he can prevent the 32-year-old from controlling their five-round contest.
“Trying to outgrapple me for 25 minutes, I can’t see it,” said Volkanovski, according to MMA Junkie. “I believe that the only chance that any of these guys have is for them to catch me… If he thinks he can beat me by decision or he thinks he can outgrapple me, I’m sure he’s gonna try, we’ll see.”
Volkanovski also suggested he could secure a stoppage victory against the unbeaten challenger, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver a performance that could rank among the finest of his career. “I think I can do it in pretty wild fashion. I believe I can get a finish. I believe I can do it inside five… A lot of people are going to go say after this fight, ‘Is that the best Volk we’ve ever seen?’” he said.
The October 24 meeting will see Volkanovski attempt another successful defence of the featherweight championship, while Evloev will seek to maintain his undefeated professional record and secure the title. The bout also presents a contrast between Volkanovski’s championship experience and Evloev’s decision-based winning streak inside the Octagon.
Volkanovski originally captured the featherweight title with a victory over Max Holloway in 2019 and recorded five successful defences before losing the belt to Ilia Topuria in 2024. He regained the vacant championship against Diego Lopes in 2025 following Topuria’s move to lightweight and subsequently defended the title in their rematch in January.
