Alexander Volkanovski’s UFC 333 Win Raises Questions About His Future at 155 | Deadspin
Volkanovski Takes Control
Evloev tried to establish his grappling early, mixing it with strikes, while Volkanovski looked to land and build pressure. Volkanovski’s hand speed appeared slower than usual in the opening round.
Evloev went for a takedown at the start of round two, but Volkanovski reversed the position and ended up on top. He controlled the action and did damage before his striking and momentum picked up.
A Long Featherweight Reign
The result marked the second successful defense of Volkanovski’s second reign as featherweight champion. He has ruled the UFC’s 145-pound division since late 2019, apart from roughly a year when Ilia Topuria held the title after dethroning him.
The article also notes that plenty of people scored the fight a draw. That assessment helped spark discussion about Jean Silva as a possible title challenger.
Questions About a Move Up
Silva is 7-1 since joining the UFC in 2024 and has been among the division’s most entertaining fighters. He nearly faced a scare against Jose Delgado at Noche UFC last month, and his fights and finishes have earned UFC fan and media awards.
After the win, Volkanovski expressed interest in moving up to 155 pounds and pursuing champion-champ status again. He previously challenged Islam Makhachev twice at that weight and came up short both times; Justin Gaethje is another possible opponent as he approaches what may be his final one or two fights.
Key points
- Volkanovski defeated Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 and secured his second successful defense of his second featherweight reign.
- Volkanovski reversed Evloev’s early second-round takedown attempt and took control from the top.
- Jean Silva has been discussed as a potential challenger after some viewers scored the fight a draw.
- Volkanovski is interested in moving to 155 pounds after two previous losses to Islam Makhachev.