Evloev challenges Volkanovski at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi — SkimNews
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- Movsar Evloev faces Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, entering 20-0 as a professional with half those wins inside the Octagon
- Alexander Volkanovski, 38, has acknowledged his chin no longer cooperates and that retirement is approaching, but said he believes the stylistic matchup will produce "the best version of Alex" yet
- Evloev publicly questioned Volkanovski's preparation after the champion split time helping teammate Mauricio Ruffy camp for his fight against Arman Tsarukyan, telling CBS Sports he hopes Volkanovski was focused on his own fight
- Volkanovski leaned on his two prior bouts against Islam Makhachev as evidence his wrestling defense has improved enough to keep Evloev from dictating where the fight takes place, despite losing both meetings
- Evloev dismissed prospective future challengers Jean Silva ("when dogs bark, you leave them alone") and Tommy McMillen, arguing that Marwan Rahiki "almost beat" McMillen and would have won but for fading in round three
- Evloev told the outlet he plans to celebrate a victory with tiramisu, ending a three-year abstinence from added sugars, and said he would welcome frequent title defenses
Why it matters: Volkanovski, 38, has acknowledged his body's decline and signals retirement could follow a loss, meaning an Evloev win likely closes the book on a two-time champion's reign while installing a 20-0 wrestler who is already calling out the division's next contenders.
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