Islam Makhachev backs Evloev's youth against Volkanovski at UFC 333
The man who beat Volkanovski twice thinks the challenger's age can make the difference, but expects a close fight.
Islam Makhachev, who has beaten Alexander Volkanovski twice, is leaning towards Movsar Evloev in the UFC 333 featherweight title fight. Speaking to the Russian press, he said the challenger's youth could decide it, MMA Sucka reported in August.
"I think Movsar will manage with his youth," Makhachev said, adding that he hopes Evloev will do his job on the night.
He was careful not to write the champion off. Makhachev said Volkanovski is not at the same peak he reached a couple of years ago but is still one of the best, and that the fight will not be easy. Speaking to Russian outlet Ushatayka, he called it a very competitive fight, Boxing News reported.
Makhachev knows Volkanovski better than most. He beat him on points at UFC 284 in Perth in February 2023, then knocked him out with a first-round head kick at UFC 294 at Etihad Arena in October 2023.
UFC 333 takes place at Etihad Arena on Saturday 24 October. Volkanovski defends the featherweight title against the unbeaten Evloev, with Petr Yan against Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title in the co-main event.
UFC 333: Volkanovski vs EvloevSat 24 Oct · Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi See ticketsSource: MMA Sucka, Boxing News (citing Ushatayka)
