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Alexander Volkanovski retained his UFC featherweight championship by stopping previously unbeaten Movsar Evloev in the second round at UFC 333. The October 24 victory in Abu Dhabi gave the Australian a record nine wins in UFC featherweight title fights.
Referee Marc Goddard stopped the contest at 4:54 of Round 2 after Volkanovski followed a damaging combination with unanswered punches on the ground. Evloev’s professional record fell to 20 wins and one loss.
At 38, Volkanovski has now won three consecutive championship bouts. The result reinforced his position at the top of the division and prompted further discussion about whether his next appearance could come against a champion from a heavier weight class.
Evloev’s Wrestling Cannot Keep the Champion Down
Movsar Evloev entered the main event with 20 professional victories and a wrestling game capable of making the contest difficult for the champion. He succeeded in taking Volkanovski down during the opening round, but struggled to turn those moments into sustained control.
Volkanovski repeatedly returned to his feet, allowing him to resume working with kicks and punches. That response was important because it prevented Evloev from keeping the fight in the positions he was trying to establish.
There was another significant exchange early in the second round. Evloev dragged the champion to the canvas, but Volkanovski reversed the position and landed punches from above before the challenger escaped.
As the round progressed, Volkanovski’s striking became increasingly effective. A late combination forced Evloev backward, and the Australian maintained his attack when the challenger went down. Goddard intervened with six seconds remaining in the round.
The finish ended a challenge that had carried genuine sporting significance. Evloev arrived undefeated and left with the first loss of his career, while Volkanovski demonstrated that he could still overcome a leading contender with a different set of strengths.
Nine Title Fight Wins and Seven Successful Defenses
The victory moved Volkanovski ahead of José Aldo for the most wins in UFC featherweight championship bouts. His nine victories include the fights in which he captured the belt as well as those in which he successfully defended it.
His total of seven successful title defenses, accumulated across two reigns, now matches Aldo’s UFC featherweight mark. Those are separate measures of championship success, with Saturday’s result affecting both.
Volkanovski’s first reign began in December 2019 and ended when Ilia Topuria defeated him in February 2024. He regained the vacant championship by beating Diego Lopes at UFC 314 in April 2025.
A decision victory over Lopes in their January rematch provided the first defense of that second reign. The Evloev win adds another and extends a recovery that has brought Volkanovski back into a commanding position at 145 pounds.
A First Stoppage Victory Since 2023
Saturday also brought Volkanovski his first stoppage victory since defeating Yair Rodriguez in 2023. His two championship wins over Lopes had both required the judges’ scorecards.
Afterward, Volkanovski expressed satisfaction at securing a finish against an opponent whose unbeaten record reflected his quality. He also indicated that he remained open to competing again, rather than announcing retirement following the victory.
Gaethje Proposal Remains a Possible Next Step
At the postfight news conference, Volkanovski renewed his interest in facing UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. Such a contest would take him from the featherweight division into the 155 pound championship picture.
He suggested that the matchup could serve as a retirement fight and said he would be prepared to step away afterward, regardless of the outcome. He also acknowledged the claims of existing lightweight contenders and emphasized his wish to avoid delaying opportunities for them.
The proposal remains an expression of interest. A matchup, date and championship arrangements have yet to be announced. Volkanovski leaves Abu Dhabi as featherweight champion, with another successful defense completed and a decision about his next opponent still ahead.
