Alexander Volkanovski will defend his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, seeking to add another record to an already glittering career. The 38-year-old Australian has won 28 of his 32 professional fights and will earn a record ninth win in UFC featherweight title fights if he triumphs against the Russian. Victory would allow Volkanovski to surpass Brazilian icon Jose Aldo, whom many regard as the best featherweight of all time.
Volkanovski, known for his well-rounded skill set, footwork, distance management, boxing and cardio, has dominated opponents such as Max Holloway and Diego Lopes. His 11-fight UFC winning streak between 2016 and 2023 is second to Holloway's record 13, while his 1,623 significant strikes total is also bettered by the American's remarkable 2,971. However, Volkanovski holds three victories over Holloway and also beat Aldo in 2019.
Despite his success, Volkanovski refuses to engage with debates about being the greatest. "I'm not driven by getting the most title wins. I get more drive for the challenges and getting through those challenges," he said. After losing his title to Ilia Topuria in 2024 and taking 14 months off, he returned to regain his belt last year and cement his place as the promotion's featherweight king.
In 32-year-old Evloev, Volkanovski faces another difficult challenge with the Russian undefeated in 20 bouts and on a 10-fight winning streak in the UFC. Win or lose, Volkanovski says he is not considering retiring, but added a "super fight" against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje could convince him otherwise.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing