UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his title against undefeated challenger Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The Australian fighter, widely regarded as one of the best featherweights of all time, is seeking to secure a record ninth win in UFC featherweight title fights.
Quest for Featherweight History
Volkanovski, 38, aims to surpass Brazilian icon Jose Aldo’s record of title fight victories. Despite the ongoing debate among fans and pundits about who holds the title of the greatest featherweight, including considerations for American Max Holloway, Volkanovski remains focused on the challenges rather than accolades. “I’m not fussed about belts, title defences, numbers and all that. When I say I don’t care – it is cool, but that’s not what drives me,” Volkanovski told the BBC. He added, “I get more drive for the challenges and getting through those challenges.”
His career has seen significant highs and lows, including losing his featherweight title after being knocked out by Ilia Topuria in 2024 and a prior loss to Islam Makhachev when attempting to win the lightweight belt. After a 14-month break, many speculated about his retirement. However, Volkanovski put on a masterclass performance to regain his belt against Diego Lopes, before cementing his place as the promotion’s featherweight king in February. This resilience and ability to overcome adversity at his age is a source of pride for the champion, who enjoys defying expectations. Readers can delve deeper into his career by exploring Alexander Volkanovski: The Rise of a Featherweight Champion.
The Undefeated Challenger and Volkanovski’s Style
Volkanovski faces a formidable opponent in Movsar Evloev, 32, who arrives with an undefeated record of 20 bouts and a 10-fight winning streak in the UFC. Volkanovski himself weighed in at 144.5 lbs for the title defence, as confirmed by Sherdog. Known for his well-rounded skill set rather than specialising in knockouts or submissions, Volkanovski’s success stems from world-class footwork, distance management, boxing, and cardio. His gritty takedown and submission defence have also been crucial in overcoming opponents, including Brian Ortega in 2021 and competing gamely against Islam Makhachev.
Volkanovski holds the longest average fight time in UFC featherweight history at 18 minutes and three seconds, showcasing his mastery inside the octagon. His 11-fight UFC winning streak between 2016 and 2023 is second only to Max Holloway’s 13, and he boasts three victories over Holloway and a win against Jose Aldo in 2019.
Future Aspirations Beyond UFC 333
Regardless of the outcome against Evloev, Volkanovski stated he has no immediate plans for retirement. However, he admitted that a “super fight” against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje could be a motivating factor to hang up his gloves, particularly if it means achieving a second divisional title. Volkanovski has previously failed twice to become a two-division champion, both times against Islam Makhachev.
He sees the potential Gaethje fight as a definitive way to conclude his career: “It’s something I would retire for, otherwise I’m taking each fight as it goes.”
UFC 333 Undercard Highlights
The event, hosted at the Etihad Arena, features a stacked card alongside the main event. In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends his title in a trilogy bout against Merab Dvalishvili. Other notable fights include high-octane flyweights Lone’er Kavangh from London against Ramazan Temirov, heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov facing Rizvan Kuniev, and hard-hitting featherweights Aaron Pico taking on Losene Keita. For more details on the event, visit UFC 333: Volkanovski and Evloev Headline Abu Dhabi Card.
