Volkanovski On Evloev's Wrestling Ahead Of UFC 333

Alexander Volkanovski expects Movsar Evloev's takedown game to fall short when the two meet for the featherweight title at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.

The champion acknowledged Evloev's grappling credentials during Wednesday's media day, per MMA Fighting. The unbeaten Russian has landed 49 takedowns across 10 UFC wins, including 22 against top contenders Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen and Diego Lopes. "Incredible wrestling," Volkanovski said of his challenger. "One of the best in the UFC, definitely the best in our division. But again, it's just not enough for me, you know what I mean?"

The Australian has surrendered just 10 takedowns in 15 featherweight wins over the past decade, and he won every bout where an opponent put him on the mat. Islam Makhachev managed four successful attempts in their lightweight clash, but Volkanovski believes the pure grappling matchup with Evloev would still go his way. He told reporters he would beat the Russian in five rounds of wrestling alone and suggested Evloev's attempts to inflict damage from top position will only speed up scrambles back to the feet.

Volkanovski said he respects Evloev's skill set but remains confident in his ability to neutralize the wrestling threat. A win on Oct. 24 would extend his record for most featherweight title victories in UFC history.