Volkanovski Downplays Evloev's Wrestling Ahead of UFC 333

Alexander Volkanovski says Movsar Evloev's vaunted wrestling will not be enough to take his featherweight title at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi. The champion addressed Evloev's unbeaten record and takedown numbers directly at Wednesday's media day, making clear he does not view the grappling threat as a real problem.

What Volkanovski Said About Evloev's Wrestling

Volkanovski called Evloev's wrestling "incredible" and "the best in our division," but said that alone will not solve the puzzle he presents in a five-round fight. Evloev enters UFC 333 at 10-0 inside the octagon and 20-0 as a professional, having landed 49 takedowns in the UFC, including 22 across his last four fights against Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen and Diego Lopes. Volkanovski argued that even in a pure grappling contest he believes he comes out on top, and pointed to his own takedown defense in featherweight bouts, where he has surrendered only 10 takedowns across 18 UFC fights and never lost one of those bouts. He noted that Islam Makhachev took him down four times, but that came at lightweight, not in his title division.

Volkanovski framed the matchup as a stylistic mismatch in his favor even on the mat, saying he would get back to his feet and make any ground exchanges costly for Evloev. "As soon as he tries to do damage, he's just going to lose me straight away," Volkanovski said, adding that Evloev would be left trying to hang on rather than finish rounds strong.

Why This Fight Matters for the Featherweight Division

A win puts Volkanovski alone atop the UFC's featherweight title win list, and it also keeps him on track as one of the promotion's most accomplished champions regardless of weight class. Evloev, for his part, is already looking past Saturday, telling media he would welcome a showdown with lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan if Tsarukyan ever drops to 145 pounds. Tsarukyan has angled for a shot at lightweight champion Justin Gaethje but has also floated cutting to featherweight in the past. Evloev was blunt about the idea, calling 145 pounds "my territory" and saying he would take the fight if the UFC wanted it, while noting he has never had control over his own matchmaking and does not expect that to change now.

Betting Angle

Best bets markets around UFC 333 have leaned toward this main event going the distance, reflecting how durable and tactically sound both men have looked across their recent runs. Volkanovski's own framing of the fight, that he can win wherever it takes place, lines up with how oddsmakers have treated him as the proven two-way threat against a wrestler who has not yet been tested against this level of boxing or championship rounds. Bettors leaning toward a decision should note that Volkanovski has gone the distance in several of his toughest featherweight title defenses, and Evloev has rarely finished opponents inside the UFC, which supports the over on fight time regardless of who gets a hand raised.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev fight at UFC 333?

Alexander Volkanovski defends his UFC featherweight title against Movsar Evloev on Oct. 24 at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.

What is Movsar Evloev's record heading into UFC 333?

Movsar Evloev is 10-0 in the UFC and 20-0 overall as he challenges Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title.

Did Movsar Evloev call out Arman Tsarukyan?

Yes, Movsar Evloev said he would fight lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan at featherweight if Tsarukyan moved down to 145 pounds and the UFC booked it.