Dillashaw: Age a Factor, But Volkanovski Still Sharp
Alexander Volkanovski's age draws scrutiny at UFC 333, but T.J. Dillashaw says the champ still fights smart enough to win.
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T.J. Dillashaw says Alexander Volkanovski's age is starting to show on the wall but not in the cage, backing the 38-year-old UFC featherweight champion to still out-think opponents ahead of UFC 333.
Dillashaw, the former UFC bantamweight champion, acknowledged that time catches up with every fighter eventually, but he isn't ready to write off Volkanovski heading into his next title defense. His read lines up with what Volkanovski has said himself: neither retirement nor the idea of still fighting at 40 rattles him, and he's framed UFC 333 as another chance to prove his championship window is still wide open.
Why Volkanovski's Age Is Suddenly the Story
Alexander Volkanovski turning 38 has become the central question around UFC 333, with fans and former champions alike debating whether his reign is nearing its end. Dillashaw's take cuts against that narrative. He credited Volkanovski's fight IQ as the trait most likely to offset any physical decline, arguing that smart, efficient fighters tend to age better than pure athletes who rely on speed and output alone.
That's consistent with how Volkanovski has carried himself publicly. Rather than hedge about his future, the champion has said he's ready for "big things" at UFC 333 and doesn't fear the number next to his name. For a fighter built on precision striking, elite wrestling defense and fight management rather than raw explosiveness, that confidence tracks.
What It Means for the Betting Markets
Age props and "is the era over" narratives tend to move lines before they move fists, and that's exactly the dynamic shaping up around Volkanovski's book at UFC 333. Bettors weighing a fade on name recognition alone should note that the skill Dillashaw is pointing to, fight IQ and composure under pressure, is historically one of the hardest things for oddsmakers to price against. A smart, durable veteran champion is a tougher short than his age on paper suggests, and sharp bettors will be watching how the line reacts if the public starts leaning hard against him purely on birth certificate.
UFC 333 isn't just about Volkanovski's spot at the top, either. The card also carries its own share of intrigue lower down, including fresh scrutiny on whether a previous Petr Yan-Merab Dvalishvili meeting should be read as a fluke, a question that's already shaping how that matchup's market is being discussed heading into fight week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did T.J. Dillashaw say about Alexander Volkanovski ahead of UFC 333?
T.J. Dillashaw said age is a factor for the 38-year-old Alexander Volkanovski but praised him for fighting smart enough to still compete at a high level heading into UFC 333.
How old is Alexander Volkanovski going into UFC 333?
Alexander Volkanovski is 38 years old and remains the UFC featherweight champion heading into UFC 333.
Is Alexander Volkanovski considering retirement?
Alexander Volkanovski has said retirement and the possibility of fighting into his 40s don't scare him, framing UFC 333 as another opportunity to prove he can still compete at the top.
