Diego Lopes, who fought both, picks Volkanovski; Aaron Pico says Evloev needs a KO
Two featherweights with first-hand knowledge give their view of the UFC 333 main event.
Few fighters know both men in the UFC 333 main event like Diego Lopes, who has lost to Alexander Volkanovski and to Movsar Evloev. Speaking on MMA Junkie Radio, as reported by MMA Sucka on 9 October, Lopes picked the champion: “I still think Volk.” He called Volkanovski “a big legend in this sport.”
Lopes met Volkanovski twice, losing on points both times, The National notes: first for the vacant title in April 2025 and again in a rematch in February. His view carries weight because he has felt both styles up close.
Aaron Pico, who fights Losene Keita on the same main card, gave a sharper verdict. In an interview with Full Mount MMA, reported on 7 October, Pico said Evloev has to knock Volkanovski out to win. “Movsar can take him down, but the problem is holding him down,” he said.
Pico pointed to Islam Makhachev's 2023 fight with Volkanovski, when Makhachev found it hard to keep the Australian on the mat. He expects Volkanovski to stay mobile and read Evloev in the stand-up exchanges.
Evloev (20-0) has built his unbeaten run largely on wrestling and control, while Volkanovski (28-4) says his takedown defence is ready for it. The answer comes on Saturday 24 October at Etihad Arena, with the main card around 10pm UAE time.
UFC 333: Volkanovski vs EvloevSat 24 Oct · Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi See ticketsSource: MMA Sucka (Lopes), MMA Sucka (Pico), The National
