Alexander Volkanovski is timeless. Volkanovski, 38, predicted a career-defining performance at UFC 333. One that made it look like he had aged in reverse. Volkanovski lived up to that bold statement, knocking out Movsar Evloev in the main event in Abu Dhabi, handing him his first career defeat.
“I truly believe that after this fight people will say this is the best version of Alex they have ever seen,” Volkanovski told Megan Olivi ahead of Saturday’s fight in Abu Dhabi. “I’m not saying that because I’m in my prime. I’m saying that because, stylistically, in the fight that I’m going to have and that it brings, I’m going to have this type of performance. People will say, ‘Wow, I didn’t expect that. Not at 38.’ I really believe it. »
Volkanovski’s prediction was challenged from the first round. The champion and challenger battled in a competitive round in which viewers and CBS Sports staff were divided over the winner. The second round turned out to be very different. Volkanovski found his timing about halfway through the round and never let up. He dropped Evloev with a right hand to the temple. The challenger responded well, but was dropped by an uppercut and a left hand as the end of the round neared. With just a few seconds left on the clock, Volkanovski rained down ground strikes that forced the stoppage.
“It was our wedding anniversary on Wednesday,” Volkanovski said in his post-fight interview. “I promised my wife a quick fight so she wouldn’t stress.”
Sign up for Paramount+ and watch UFC 333 at no additional cost: each UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night are included in your subscription! Plans start at just $8.99/month or $89.99/year!
Evloev’s 20-fight unbeaten streak came to an end against the future UFC Hall of Famer in the first round. Evloev was complimentary of the defeat, believing that Volk had aged like a fine wine and that there was no one he would rather lose to.
Volkanovski is just as “awesome” as his nickname suggests. Arguably the greatest featherweight of all time, along with Jose Aldo and Max Holloway, he strengthened his case with the second defense of his second title reign. By defeating Evloev, Volkanovski broke his tie with Aldo for most UFC featherweight title wins (nine) and tied Aldo’s record for most title defenses. Volkanovski also broke his own record as the oldest fighter to defend the featherweight title.
The champion has nothing left to prove, but he had an open mind about retiring ahead of Saturday’s main event. It all depended on his performance. He was ready to hang up his gloves if Father Time got the better of him. But after his most impressive performance in years, Volkanovski is ready to continue his legacy.
“I said if I don’t take too much damage, maybe I’ll continue,” Volkanovski said. “Then maybe I’ll continue.”
CBS Sports was with you throughout UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi with live updates, results and round-by-round scores. Thanks for stopping by and see you next time at UFC 334 in New York.
UFC 333 fight card, results
Gn sports
