Alexander Volkanovski stops Movsar Evloev with barrage of shots to defend title in UFC 333 main event

Alexander Volkanovski is still the best after his latest title defense as he ended Movsar Evloev’s unbeaten streak with a second-round stoppage in the UFC 333 main event.

As usual, Volkanovski showed tremendous takedown defense and impeccable striking as he separated Evloev on the feet. Finally in the second round, Volkanovski connected with a combination of punches that put Evloev down and the Australian finished with a flurry of ground shots.

The end came at 4:54 in the second round.

“He’s a great fighter,” Volkanovski said after his last title defense. “He was undefeated for a reason but I just said I was the right man for the job. I knew the referee would have to stop him when he was hiding like that.

“I’m choosing to do this. I said if I didn’t take too much damage we’d probably keep going, so maybe we’d keep going. I feel the love and it’s paying off now. The love across the world is amazing.”

After tasting defeat for the first time, Evloev was understandably upset, but he praised Volkanovski for a job well done.

“It was a terrible fight,” Evloev said. “He’s a good player. Older, stronger, better, he’s truly a legend. I’m grateful for this opportunity to be here. Alex, great champion, I’m happy to be here to share the cage with him.”

Volkanovski started quickly with a series of inside leg kicks, then peppered Evloev with a series of stiff punches. Evloev then exploded with a takedown, but Volkanovski rebounded almost immediately.

Volkanovski continued his forward pressure before countering another takedown while continuing to work on the feet. Evloev was undeterred, however, as he continued to fight to drag the champion to the ground.

Evloev grabbed the body lock to open the second round and literally dragged Volkanovski to the canvas, but the champion reversed positions to land on top. From there, Volkanovski covered some ground and pounded before Evloev got back to his feet.

Volkanovski then uncorked a well-timed forehand that seemingly wobbled Evloev momentarily.

Late in the round, Volkanovski connected with a nasty punching combination that forced Evloev to turn away to avoid damage as a cut opened up on his head.

Evloev eventually faded to the ground following a searing left hand from Volkanovski and the champion took full advantage of the opening. With Evloev injured, Volkanovski just unleashed a barrage of shots to end the fight.

That makes it three straight wins for Volkanovski in championship fights and his second straight title defense since reclaiming the featherweight belt. He has obviously indicated that he plans to continue fighting and it will soon be hard not to declare Volkanovski the greatest featherweight of all time, if he hasn’t already won that crown.