Having shared the Octagon with Alexander
Volkanovski twice, Islam
Makhachev’s take on the featherweight champ’s upcoming title
defense holds considerable weight.
Volkanovski (28-4) is set to put his
Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title on the line
against Movsar
Evloev (20-0) at
UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Makhachev believes it will be a highly competitive bout, which
Evloev is also aware of.
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Makhachev backs Movsar Evloev to dethrone Volkanovski at UFC
333
Makhachev predicts that Evloev being five years younger will help
him dethrone the 37-year-old Volkanovski. The UFC welterweight
champ believes that while Volkanovski is still dangerous, he’s past
his prime.
“[Movsar] knows himself that the fight won’t be easy, that
Volkanovski is a tough opponent for anyone,” Makhachev said at a
recent presser in Russia. “But I think Movsar will manage with his
youth. Volkanovski, honestly speaking, is not at the same peak he
was a couple of years ago. Even though he is still one of the best
fighters. I think it’ll be a very competitive fight but I hope
Movsar will do his job.”
Volkanovski made two unsuccessful bids for the lightweight title
when Makhachev was the champion at 155 pounds. The Australian gave
Makhachev one of the toughest tests of his career in their first
outing in 2023, but suffered a decision loss. Makhachev then
knocked Volkanovski out with a head kick in their rematch later
that year.