For Alexander Volkanovski, age is just a number. The Australian successfully defended his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333, handing the previously undefeated Russian his first career loss with a brutal second-round TKO at 4:54 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
As expected, Volkanovski’s sharp striking and incredible takedown defense proved to be the difference. The 38-year-old looked quicker on the feet from the opening bell, attacking Evloev’s legs with inside low kicks before mixing in stiff jabs and powerful overhand rights. Whenever the Russian managed to take the fight to the ground, Volk bounced back to his feet almost immediately.
Evloev had some success with his wrestling in the opening round, repeatedly attempting takedowns and briefly dragging the champion to the canvas. However, Volkanovski kept escaping and landing clean shots on the feet. Evloev also managed to connect with a solid left hook during an exchange near the cage, but the Australian continued to press forward and dictate the pace.
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The fight took a dramatic turn in the second round. Evloev once again tried to use his wrestling to slow the champion down, grabbing a body lock and dragging him to the canvas. However, Volkanovski quickly reversed the position, landed some ground-and-pound, and returned to striking range.
The champion then began to find his rhythm, connecting with a powerful overhand right that appeared to hurt Evloev. A blistering combination followed, with a left hand wobbling the Russian before another heavy shot sent him crashing toward the canvas.
With Evloev badly hurt and covering up, Volkanovski unleashed a barrage of punches and hammerfists until referee Marc Goddard stepped in to stop the fight with just seconds remaining in the round. The Russian entered the matchup with a perfect 20-0 record, but the champion proved too much for him to overcome.
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The victory was another major milestone in Volkanovski’s legendary career. He recorded his ninth UFC featherweight title-fight victory, surpassing Jose Aldo’s divisional record and strengthening his case as the greatest fighter in the division’s history.
Since reclaiming the belt at UFC 314, the 38-year-old has now successfully defended it twice. His latest victory also extended his winning streak to three fights, following back-to-back title-fight wins over Diego Lopes.
Moreover, Volkanovski gave no indication that he was ready to walk away from the sport. Speaking to Daniel Cormier after the fight, the Australian praised Evloev but made it clear that he always backed himself to get the job done.
He said, “He’s a great fighter. He was undefeated for a reason, but I just said I’m the right guy for that job. I knew the ref would have to stop it when he covered up like that.”
The 145-pound kingpin also opened up about his future, suggesting that he could continue fighting as long as he feels good and avoids taking too much damage.
After his victory, Alex Volkanovski has now passed Jose Aldo for the most title fight wins in UFC featherweight history (9) 👏
One of the best to ever step foot inside the Octagon 👑 #UFC333 https://t.co/W67yk4QKJ4
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 24, 2026
The Aussie added, “I’m choosing to do this. I said if I didn’t take too much damage, we probably keep going, so maybe we keep going. I feel the love, and it’s paid off now. The love around the world is incredible.”
With several contenders waiting for their shot at featherweight gold, including Jean Silva, Aljamain Sterling, and Kevin Vallejos, Volkanovski has no shortage of potential challengers. However, a move back to lightweight could also be on the cards, with a third attempt at 155 pounds potentially setting up a blockbuster showdown against Justin Gaethje as a fitting send-off fight.