Islam Makhachev has made a clear pick for the Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev title fight, and it may surprise some UFC fans. The UFC welterweight champion believes Evloev’s youth could help him beat Volkanovski at UFC 333. Makhachev also feels the Australian is no longer at the same peak he reached a few years ago, even though he still sees him as one of the best fighters in the sport.
Islam Makhachev predicts Movsar Evloev can beat Alexander Volkanovski
Volkanovski and Evloev will meet for the UFC featherweight title on October 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The UFC has officially confirmed the fight as the main event of UFC 333. Volkanovski enters the bout as champion, while Evloev is still unbeaten with a 20-0 record.Makhachev knows what Volkanovski brings because the two have already fought twice. Their first meeting came at UFC 284, where Makhachev won a close decision. He then stopped Volkanovski with a head kick in the first round of their rematch at UFC 294.Now, despite those wins, Makhachev is not picking his former opponent to keep the featherweight belt.Speaking to reporters in Russia, Makhachev backed Evloev and pointed to the age gap between the two fighters.“It’s no secret and he himself knows that the fight won’t be easy, that Volkanovski is a tough opponent for anyone. 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.”Sherdog reported Makhachev’s prediction on August 25.The prediction is interesting because Makhachev did not dismiss Volkanovski. Instead, he pointed to something that could matter over five rounds: whether the 37-year-old champion can still perform at the level he showed during his best years.Evloev, meanwhile, has built an unbeaten record and earned his first UFC title shot. The UFC’s official event listing identifies him as the No. 1-ranked contender going into the fight.
Alexander Volkanovski reveals what could happen after Movsar Evloev fight
There is another reason this title fight has extra weight for Volkanovski. The champion recently admitted that a very bad performance against Evloev could make him think about retirement.Volkanovski told 10 News that he has no plans to retire right now. However, he said the result and the damage from the fight could affect what he decides next.“If things go terribly wrong, alright, we’re done. If things go very well, like the last one, no damage, go through, alright, we’ll keep it rolling. Taking each fight as it goes, just trying to be real with it. But I don’t have plans on retiring right now. Money’s always good.” MMA Fighting reported his comments.That puts more focus on what happens when Volkanovski faces the undefeated Evloev. Makhachev expects the younger challenger to take advantage, while Volkanovski is preparing to show that he still has enough to stay on top.