Makhachev declares Volkanovski past his peak ahead of UFC 333 title defence

Islam Makhachev has declared that Alexander Volkanovski is no longer the fighter he was at his peak, backing unbeaten contender Movsar Evloev to dethrone the featherweight champion at UFC 333 on October 24 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The current UFC welterweight champion made the assessment at a press conference in Russia, lending his words particular authority given that he has faced Volkanovski twice.

“Volkanovski, honestly speaking, is not at the same peak he was a couple of years ago,” Makhachev said. “Even though he is still one of the best fighters. I think it’ll be a very competitive fight but I hope Movsar will do his job.”

Makhachev pointed to the five-year age gap between the two men as a decisive factor, suggesting Evloev’s youth could prove the difference against the 37-year-old Australian. Evloev enters the bout with a perfect 20-0 professional record, while Volkanovski will be defending the featherweight title with a record of 28-4.

The UFC welterweight champion’s perspective carries real weight given his history with Volkanovski. In their first meeting in 2023, Volkanovski pushed Makhachev to the limit in a lightweight title challenge before losing by decision in what many considered one of the most competitive fights of that year. Makhachev left little doubt in the rematch, finishing Volkanovski with a head kick knockout.

Despite his confidence in Evloev, Makhachev stopped well short of dismissing Volkanovski entirely. “Volkanovski is a tough opponent for anyone,” he acknowledged, framing the contest as genuinely competitive rather than a foregone conclusion. Evloev, he noted, is fully aware of the challenge ahead.

Volkanovski has held the UFC featherweight title across multiple reigns and remains one of the most accomplished fighters in the division’s history. Whether Makhachev’s reading of his decline proves accurate will be tested when the two meet in Abu Dhabi later this month.