Islam Makhachev says Alexander Volkanovski is no longer at his peak

Islam Makhachev, who has faced Alexander Volkanovski twice at lightweight, believes the 37-year-old featherweight champion is no longer operating at his peak heading into his title defense against unbeaten challenger Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on October 24 in Abu Dhabi.

Makhachev, the UFC welterweight champion, predicts that Evloev's youth—he is five years younger than Volkanovski—will prove decisive in what he expects to be a highly competitive bout. While Makhachev respects Volkanovski's skill and remains dangerous, he believes the Australian has declined from his elite form of recent years.

"Volkanovski honestly is not at the same peak he was a couple of years ago," Makhachev said at a presser in Russia. "Even though he is still one of the best fighters. I think it'll be a very competitive fight but I hope Movsar will do his job."

Makhachev's assessment carries credibility from firsthand experience. When Volkanovski challenged for Makhachev's lightweight title in 2023, the Australian pushed the champion to a decision loss in their first meeting. Makhachev then stopped Volkanovski with a head kick in their rematch later that year, asserting his dominance and forcing the former featherweight champion to move back down. Volkanovski (28-4) holds a 28-4 record, while Evloev (20-0) remains undefeated.