Volkanovski defends the Russian, but plans to force his opponent to fight standing up at UFC 333.

Alexander Volkanovski holds the featherweight title. (Photo: Instagram)

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One of the biggest names in the entire Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Alexander Volkanovski attempts to defend his featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg) at UFC 331 against one of his biggest rivals, Movsar Evloev . Beyond the age and mileage difference, the clash of styles is also noteworthy. Undefeated in 20 professional fights, the Russian stands out for his relentless takedown game and physical dominance to control his opponents. But the champion assures he is prepared for this.

In an interview with 'Main Event' this Thursday (27), the Australian was sincere when addressing the problems that the challenger's strategy represents for the confrontation. Volk recalled that Evloev ventured into striking in his last duel, against Lerone Murphy . According to him, trying to repeat that would be a mistake.

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“People are worried, people are going to sit there thinking, ‘Oh, is this going to be another boring fight?’ He’s not going to take me down, it’s going to be a striking fight because I’m going to keep it that way. You’re this undefeated guy with this style, I don’t care if people think it’s boring. Let’s see if this new style works with me, it won’t. Don’t even dare try to just strike with me to entertain the fans. It’s going to be striking because I’m going to make him strike,” he stated.

Alexander Volkanovski warns Movsar Evloev not to abandon his wrestling and try to entertain the fans by striking with him. 😳

"Movsar tried to stand up in the Lerone Murphy fight, which I didn't like. You're this undefeated guy. I don't care if people think it's boring, and… pic.twitter.com/0UGtS60uVZ

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 27, 2026

Alexander Volkanovski has already faced Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev (right) and Alexander Volkanovski (left) had a rematch at UFC 294. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

This will not be the first time the Australian has shared the octagon with a wrestler from Dagestan, quite the contrary. Volkanovski faced Islam Makhachev on two occasions at the beginning of the pound-for-pound leader's reign in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). Despite losing both times, he impressed fans with his high level of takedown defense. In the first fight, he even managed to knock down his opponent with a punch at the end of the fifth round.

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