Alexander Volkanovski, Movsar Evloev recount past training session ahead of UFC 333 title fight

Alexander Volkanovski and undefeated challenger Movsar Evloev previewed their upcoming UFC 333 featherweight title clash by recounting a training session from years past, when both fighters were ascending their respective divisions. The bout takes place October 24 in Abu Dhabi.

During UFC 331 fight week in Los Angeles, the featherweights reflected on shared gym time when Volkanovski was climbing toward the 145-pound throne and Evloev was finishing his run as M-1 bantamweight champion. Evloev recalled training with Volkanovski after the Australian had fought Chad Mendes and was preparing to face Jose Aldo. "We just had a couple of rounds and yeah, we trained at the same gym before," Evloev said. "Now he has his own gym in Thailand."

Volkanovski holds a second reign as featherweight champion with only one 145-pound loss on his record, while Evloev boasts a perfect 20-0 pro record, including a March majority decision over Lerone Murphy. At nearly 38 years old, Volkanovski has rebounded from a Ilia Topuria loss with back-to-back title fight victories over Diego Lopes. Both fighters expressed mutual respect, though Evloev is clearly motivated to defeat Volkanovski at his absolute peak to silence doubts about his opponent's current level. Volkanovski promised to deliver "one of Alex's best performances" stylistically.