Alexander Volkanovski Cannot Last 25 Minutes with Movsar Evloev at UFC 333, Says Title Challenger’s Coach

This weekend’s UFC 333 fight card will have two title fights as the headlining attractions. Merab Dvalishvili takes on champion Petr Yan in the co-main event, whereas Alexander Volkanovski defends his featherweight belt against Movsar Evloev in the main event.

Volkanovski and Evloev fought once this year. Volk defended the belt against Diego Lopes at UFC 325 whereas Evloev fought Lerone Murphy in March. Their bouts lasted 25 minutes. Ahead of UFC 333, the stakes are as high as ever for both fighters.

Volkanovski is now 38 years of age, leading some to speculate him to be out of his prime. Evloev trains at American Top Team under coach Mike Brown. The coach predicted that out-of-prime Volk would not last 25 minutes against the Russian contender.

I think his time is ticking. I think his time is over. I think he’s not in his prime anymore. This guy (Evloev) is a physical monster. His conditioning is unbelievable. His strength is unbelievable. I don’t think Volk is the best he’s ever been, and I think that’s going to show on Saturday. In a long fight especially, something’s going to give. You can’t take this guy 25 minutes hard. Nobody can.

Mike Brown told Adam Zubayraev

Mike Brown believes Alexander Volkanovski is past his prime and won’t be able to handle Movsar Evloev’s pace for 25 minutes. “I think his time is ticking. I think his time is over. I think he’s not in his prime anymore. This guy is a physical monster. His conditioning is unbelievable. His strength is unbelievable. I don’t think Volk is the best he’s ever been, and I think that’s going to show on Saturday. In a long fight especially, something’s going to give. You can’t take this guy 25 minutes hard. Nobody can.” via @AdamZubayraev

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 20, 2026

Alexander Volkanovski remains confident about his ability to get a win at UFC 333. His confidence was prevalent as far back as February after he defeated Lopes at UFC 325. To that end, Volk spoke about how his skillset remained a kryptonite for wrestlers/grapplers.

At the same time, the featherweight champion revealed that he would consider retirement if he gets beaten to a pulp at UFC 333. Wrestling pressure is something Volk has not faced in his last three bouts.

Last time someone actually gave him a tough time in wrestling was Islam Makhachev back in 2023. Nevertheless, Volk promised fans that the title challenger would not hold him down.

Meanwhile, Evloev has a mixed reputation among fans. His fanbase from Russia loves him, but others constantly complain about his 10 decision wins in the UFC with 0 finishes.

For the title fight at UFC 333, Evloev wanted to finish Volkanovski at first. However, Volk’s comment about being the best 25-minute fighter rubbed the Russian the wrong way.

To that end, Evloev retracted his statements and promised to beat Volk up for 25 minutes. Coach Mike Brown’s statement indicates the same gameplan to fight Volk. It remains to be seen what will happen at UFC 333, but a legend of the sport wants a harsh outcome if somehow Evloev loses this weekend.

Alexander Volkanovski’s former opponent trashes Movsar Evloev ahead of UFC 333

Volkanovski has a fought a lot of big names in the UFC. His first major career win came when he defeated Jose Aldo at UFC 237 in 2019. Aldo along with Volkanovski remains two of the greatest featherweight fighters in the history of UFC.

Ahead of UFC 333, the Brazilian legend sat down for an interview with Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting. Aldo ridiculed Evloev for constantly winning by decision and revealed what he would do if he was in charge of the UFC.

If I were the president, I’d never put him in there. He could beat everybody. I’d wait for him to lose for the first time and then cut him because he’s a guy who doesn’t sell, a guy who puts on boring fights.

Jose Aldo said via Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting

Jose Aldo explains why he would cut Movsar Evloev if he were #UFC boss: "I’d wait for him to lose for the first time and then cut him because he’s a guy who doesn’t sell, a guy who puts on boring fights, a guy who doesn’t draw attention." (🎥 @guicruzzz) https://t.co/0DZINRJE90

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 20, 2026

Evloev had to wait a while before fighting for the featherweight belt. Volk can add to his legacy if he can secure a victory over an undefeated Russian contender. Otherwise, it is a start of a new era which can get divisive due to Evloev never getting a finish inside the octagon.

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