Alexander Volkanovski calls Movsar Evloev the ‘most dangerous’ featherweight despite 0 UFC finishes

Alexander Volkanovski thinks he will have his work cut out for him on October 24.

At the age of 38, the two-time UFC featherweight champion will look to prove that he has more in the tank by making it two successful defenses since he regained the title.

After consecutive wins over Diego Lopes, Volkanovski will be challenged by Movsar Evloev in the main event of UFC 333 at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena.

The Russian has earned his shot without recording a single finish, but the champ says that actually makes his next opponent more dangerous.

Evloev had to wait a while for his first opportunity at winning gold on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

The top featherweight contender had to rack up 10 straight wins in the promotion before being placed opposite the champion.

A lack of finishes seems to have been the reason why Evloev was unable to convince the UFC of his title shot worthiness sooner.

But the zero next to his rival’s finish tally does not mean Volkanovski is dismissing the Russian’s threat, as he explained during a recent interview with Esquire Middle East.

“Actually no, because guys like that (Evloev) are the ones that sneak up on you,” Volkanovski said when asked if Evloev’s lack of finishes makes him less scary than past opponents.

“This is the exact type of fight you have to be really careful because you’re not expecting it. Guys with crazy power know that you’re going to be on the defense, but guys who ‘decision everybody’ are the ones who can shock the world with one punch.

“Aside from myself, I actually think he’s the most dangerous guy in the division,” he added.

Evloev has suggested that he will be chasing his first stoppage victory in the UFC when he shares the cage with Volkanovski in Abu Dhabi.

It would certainly be some way to claim the title and would see the Russian contender follow in the footsteps of Ilia Topuria, who knocked out the Australian to become featherweight king in 2024.