Alexander Volkanovski says fans will think ‘this looks like Volk in his prime’ when he’s beating down Movsar Evloev

Alexander Volkanovski is confident he will deliver a dominant, dominant performance that harkens back to his prime when he defends his featherweight title against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on October 24 in Abu Dhabi. Though the 38-year-old champion acknowledges he is no longer in his peak years, he believes the bout will unfold in a way that makes observers marvel at his skills and wonder how much longer he can compete at the elite level.

Volkanovski, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, indicated that taking on an undefeated fighter in his prime and shutting him down completely matters more to him than the milestone of defending a title at 38. He dismissed suggestions that Evloev will employ wrestling to control the fight, arguing instead that his superior takedown defense will force the challenger to rely on striking—a proposition Volkanovski believes favors him overwhelmingly. He expressed confidence that no one in the featherweight division can defeat him in a decision and predicted Evloev would face the same fate.

Volkanovski outlined his anticipated gameplan, stating that if Evloev secures a takedown, he will immediately escape and return to trading hands. He predicted a showcase performance that will stand among his greatest, despite his advancing age. "This, honestly, looks like Volk in his prime," he said, suggesting the narrative after his victory will center on a vintage display of championship-level dominance rather than surprise at his age-defying capabilities.