Alexander Volkanovski Vows to Become ‘Kryptonite’ for Dagestani Wrestling After Movsar Evloev Fight

Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski wants ultimate wrestling challenge if Movsar Evloev wins at UFC London.

Alexander Volkanovski Vows to Become ‘Kryptonite’ for Dagestani Wrestling After Movsar Evloev Fight

Alexander Volkanovski wants wrestling challenge (Image via MMA Mania/Imago)

In Short
  • Alexander Volkanovski aims to face Movsar Evloev to counter Dagestani wrestling techniques.
  • Evloev and Lerone Murphy are competing for the next title shot at UFC London.
  • Volkanovski believes the BMF title may lose its significance due to recent fight strategies.

UFC London Fight Night event features featherweight contenders Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev competing in a five-round bout to determine the next title challenger. 145-pound champion Alexander Volkanovski is eagerly awaiting his next challenger after defending his title back in February of this year against Diego Lopes at UFC 325.

Murphy and Evloev bring different challenges to Volk in terms of skill level. The UK native is a proven striker whereas Evloev is a dangerous wrestler. These days in the UFC, high-pressure wrestling and controlling the position has become the new kryptonite for many fighters.

Khamzat Chimaev controlled Dricus Du Plessis for five rounds at UFC 319, and Islam Makhachev did the same to Jack Della Maddalena last year as well. The Russian style of wrestling, especially Chechen and Dagestan variation, of wrestling has become unstoppable in the UFC. This is why Volkanovski wishes to face Evloev and dismantle Russian style wrestling for everyone to see.

This has been a problem for fighters. A lot of fighters don’t know how to deal with this. You’ve got Chimaev just out grappling, Islam wrestling, all these guys that have been so effective with their Dagestani wrestling, the Chechen wrestling, and a lot of people can’t figure it out. You’ve seen in my fight with Islam that I can deal with it, and I’d love to get a guy who, if he wins against Lerone, he’s gonna be 20-0. I’d prefer Movsar just because of that.

Alexander Volkanovski said on his YT Channel

At UFC 284 back in 2023, Volk fought Makhachev in a closely contested bout and showed the world that he can disrupt the momentum of dominant wrestlers. Volk stuffed 5 takedowns attempts from Makhachev, which is a lot more than his compatriot Jack Della Maddalena ever did at UFC 322.

Apart from fighting Makhachev, Volk has only fought proven strikers in other bouts. Max Holloway, The Korean Zombie, Yair Rodriguez, and Diego Lopes are some of the names of Volk’s resume, but not one of them has proven grappling abilities. This is why the Australian legend wants to fight Evloev, thereby adding a proven wrestler to the list of fighters he has beaten.

Both Evloev and Murphy are undefeated in their careers, but does not have the fan support deemed by the UFC to fight for the undisputed title. This was the reason why the promotion snubbed them for
UFC 325. A victory for Evloev will make Volk’s wish come true, but Murphy has a history of spoiling things inside the octagon. As such, Volk will have to wait till UFC London finishes to see who he will face.

Alexander Volkanovski thinks too much wrestling may have spoiled BMF title forever

The BMF title was made to put on high-profile fights to main event PPVs when there is no interim or undisputed titles on the line in the headlining bout. UFC 245 and UFC 291 served that purpose, with back-and-forth action taking center stage due to much fan anticipation. The BMF title also provided a marquee fight for the UFC 300 card as well.

Alexander Volkanovski thinks BMF title fight at UFC 326 failed its purpose
Alexander Volkanovski thinks BMF title fight at UFC 326 failed its purpose (Image via BJ Penn.com/X)

UFC 318 saw the BMF title on the line for Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight against Holloway that saw back-and-forth action. UFC 326 main event between Oliveira and Holloway was supposed to provide another action-packed bout for the fans. However, ‘Do Bronx’ played it safe with repeated takedowns to control the Hawaiian over five rounds.

Many fans didn’t like the BMF title bout, and fingers were pointed at Oliveira for approaching a safer gameplan rather than showcase his BMF attributes. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski recently theorized that everyone may have seen the end of the BMF belt after UFC 326.

If we start fighting like that, don’t be surprised if the BMF belt gets taken away. We might not see it. No, I’m not having shots. I’m just saying that it’s losing its purpose. The purpose behind it is guys that are just going to go and put on fights. I’m not trying to throw shade on Charles.

Alexander Volkanovski said on his YT Channel

Oliveira finds himself back in the title picture at 155 pounds with a win, and Holloway is stuck at the moment, unable to chase his dream. At this point, ‘Do Bronx’ can likely fight for the title again with one more victory over a top contender. However, the BMF title may not be on the line anymore after not delivering entertainment at UFC 326.

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