Evloev vows to finish Volkanovski and silence doubters at UFC 333

Movsar Evloev has set himself a double ambition heading into UFC 333: dethrone Alexander Volkanovski and do it in a way that leaves no room for argument. The unbeaten Russian challenger faces Volkanovski for the featherweight title on 24 October at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi — and he wants to end the night with his first UFC finish.

“This is my first title fight,” Evloev told MMA Fighting. “And we’re looking to make it my first finish in the UFC.”

Evloev has built a flawless record inside the octagon, yet critics have consistently found reasons to discount his résumé. He says the same pattern played out earlier in his career on the regional circuit, where victories over champions were brushed aside with the claim that his opponents were past their best or poorly prepared.

He is determined that a win over the 38-year-old Volkanovski will not be met with the same scepticism — and for that reason he wants “The Great” to arrive in peak condition.

“I used to beat champions before joining the UFC,” Evloev said. “And when I beat them, people used to say, ‘OK, they weren’t that good like before.’ I don’t want to hear this again, so I want him to be in his prime, in the best condition, so I can show my skills.”

Volkanovski, a former long-reigning featherweight champion, remains one of the most decorated fighters in the division’s history. Evloev’s insistence on facing the best version of his opponent reflects both confidence in his own ability and an awareness that only an undeniable performance will fully shift the narrative around his career.

UFC 333 takes place on 24 October at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.