Volkanovski Coach: He's Our Generation's GSP Ahead of UFC 333
Alexander Volkanovski's coach Eugene Bareman compares him to Georges St-Pierre ahead of his UFC 333 title defense vs. Movsar Evloev.
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Eugene Bareman says Alexander Volkanovski is "our generation's version of GSP," comparing his featherweight champion to Georges St-Pierre just days before Volkanovski defends his title against unbeaten Movsar Evloev in the UFC 333 main event.
Bareman, Volkanovski's longtime coach at City Kickboxing, made the comparison in blunt terms. He does not think Volkanovski is a naturally gifted athlete. He thinks Volkanovski built himself into one.
"I don't think he's by any stretch of the imagination anywhere near the most talented athletes," Bareman said. "But hard work, commitment, dedication, a desire to get better will outwork talent and beat talent any single day."
Why Bareman Compares Volkanovski To GSP
Bareman's comparison centers on adaptability, not just dominance. He pointed to Volkanovski's ability to fight at range despite his height, switch stances between offense and defense, and shift a fight into wrestling or striking depending on what the matchup demands. That, Bareman argues, mirrors the way St-Pierre operated at welterweight for most of a decade, leaning on whatever tool beat the man in front of him rather than a single identifiable strength.
"He can take the fight and turn the fight and mold the fight into wherever he needs to go to beat the opponent, which is what GSP would do," Bareman said.
It is a notable comparison given St-Pierre's standing as one of the sport's consensus pound-for-pound greats, and it comes from the man who has trained Volkanovski throughout his entire championship run rather than from outside commentary.
What's At Stake Against Evloev
Volkanovski, 38, is defending the featherweight title for the second time since reclaiming it, and a win over Evloev would extend an already decorated run that includes a return from a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria. After that loss, Volkanovski beat Diego Lopes for the vacant belt and then beat him again in a rematch. Evloev enters UFC 333 undefeated and represents a live, awkward style test given his wrestling-heavy approach and unbeaten record.
Bareman's framing matters for how this fight gets read competitively. Volkanovski is being positioned not as a champion clinging to his title, but as a fighter still adding to a Hall of Fame résumé, with his coach explicitly pointing to adaptability as the separator against a grinding, undefeated opponent like Evloev.
Betting Angle
Volkanovski's track record as a betting favorite in title fights speaks for itself, and his ability to adjust mid-fight, the exact trait Bareman highlighted, has repeatedly shown up in live betting when opponents change pace or try to drag him into deep water. Evloev's unbeaten record and wrestling pedigree make him a live underdog on paper, but the market has generally trusted Volkanovski's championship experience in these spots. Bettors leaning on the overall rounds or method markets should weigh Bareman's point directly: if Volkanovski can dictate where the fight happens, a decision outcome built on him controlling range and tempo is squarely in play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Eugene Bareman compare Alexander Volkanovski to Georges St-Pierre?
Eugene Bareman said Alexander Volkanovski's ability to adapt his style, fighting at range, wrestling, or pressing forward depending on the opponent, mirrors how Georges St-Pierre dominated across his career, calling Volkanovski "our generation's version of GSP."
Who is Alexander Volkanovski fighting next?
Alexander Volkanovski defends his UFC featherweight title against unbeaten challenger Movsar Evloev in the main event of UFC 333.
What is Alexander Volkanovski's recent record before UFC 333?
Alexander Volkanovski rebounded from a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria by winning the vacant featherweight title against Diego Lopes and then beating Lopes again in a rematch.
