Volkanovski at 38: "I believe I'm going to be in his face" against Evloev
The featherweight champion talks about age, pressure and a fifth straight title fight before his first bout since his 38th birthday.
Alexander Volkanovski fights for the first time since turning 38 when he defends the UFC featherweight title against Movsar Evloev in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. "It's weird because it crept that quick," he told CBS Sports, adding that still competing at this age is "pretty cool". MMA Sucka summarised the interview on 21 October.
His plan is pressure. "I believe I'm going to be in his face," Volkanovski said, adding that he does not think Evloev can keep up with him. If the fight hits the mat, he said he would still "force you to fight on the feet." He was also respectful of the challenger: "He knows how to win."
UFC 333 is Volkanovski's fifth consecutive championship fight. According to CBS Sports, he is defending for the second time in his second reign and is chasing Jose Aldo's record for most title wins at 145 pounds. His list of wins includes Chad Mendes, Aldo, Max Holloway three times, Brian Ortega, Yair Rodriguez and Diego Lopes twice.
He has also come back from adversity before, regaining the belt after consecutive knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. CBS Sports describes Saturday's fight as basically a betting pick 'em.
Evloev, 20-0, won 12 of his 20 professional fights by decision, around 60 percent, and edged Lerone Murphy by majority decision in London in his last outing despite losing a point in round four. The title fight headlines UFC 333 at Etihad Arena on Saturday 24 October.
UFC 333: Volkanovski vs EvloevSat 24 Oct · Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi See ticketsSource: MMA Sucka, CBS Sports
