“He Ain’t Holding Me Down” – Alexander Volkanovski Promises Striking Battle at UFC 333 to Excite Fans

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski promises to dominate Movsar Evloev on the feet at UFC 333.

“He Ain’t Holding Me Down” – Alexander Volkanovski Promises Striking Battle at UFC 333 to Excite Fans

Alexander Volkanovski promises to strike against Movsar Evloev (via MMA Mania)

Alexander Volkanovski is one of the UFC’s most well-rounded fighters, combining elite striking with strong wrestling and grappling. His versatility has defined both featherweight title reigns. Now, ‘The Great’ prepares to face undefeated contender Movsar Evloev at UFC 333, who brings suffocating wrestling.

Volkanovski typically fights behind sharp footwork, constant movement, and precise striking while mixing in wrestling when needed. He displayed that layered approach against Diego Lopes at UFC 325, controlling the rematch throughout. The dominant unanimous decision victory cemented his second reign as the featherweight kingpin.

Evloev presents a younger and dangerous challenge, entering UFC 333 undefeated after defeating Lerone Murphy at UFC London. The Russian phenom is expected to rely on his Dagestani wrestling base against ‘Volk’. However, the Australian champion believes his striking will keep the fight standing and force Evloev into exchanges.

It’s gonna be a striking fight because I’m gonna keep it there. Movsar is a big threat to everyone because of that gas tank, because of that ground game, because of the wrestling offense that he has. It’s just not the biggest threat to me. That don’t work on me. I can do that forever. He’s gonna be put on the feet with me, and Movsar is gonna have to strike with me, and that’s gonna end bad for him. I truly do believe that.

Alexander Volkanovski via Main Event TV

Evloev will not be Volkanovski’s first elite wrestling challenge, as ‘The Great’ previously faced Islam Makhachev for a second UFC title. Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the UFC’s best wrestlers, but Volkanovski matched him in several grappling exchanges. At UFC 284, Makhachev won by unanimous decision after five competitive rounds.

Volkanovski believes many fighters struggle against wrestling, citing Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev as examples. He pointed to UFC 284 against Makhachev as proof that he can deal with the style effectively. Volkanovski also preferred Evloev because his undefeated record makes the challenge more significant.

However, Volkanovski may also have fewer problems on the ground given his extensive wrestling experience and background. The Australian star won multiple national wrestling titles before transitioning fully into MMA. Those credentials could prove crucial if Evloev manages to take the fight to the mat and impose his wrestling.

There are also additional stakes surrounding the UFC 333 main event, with Volkanovski acknowledging his future could depend on the result. The 37-year-old has indicated he could consider retirement if the fight goes terribly wrong. However, Volk has no immediate retirement plans and intends to continue fighting if he performs well.

Ultimately, Volkanovski’s UFC 333 matchup reflects the challenges he has repeatedly sought throughout his career. Evloev gives The Great an undefeated challenger and another chance to prove his all-around game remains elite. The matchup could further strengthen Alexander Volkanovski’s legacy as one of the greatest UFC champions.

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Alexander Volkanovski has competed in MMA for around 15 years after transitioning from rugby league in 2011. He began training during rugby league’s offseason at 22 to stay fit. Volkanovski soon developed a passion for fighting and pursued MMA professionally after leaving rugby league at 23.

Alexander Volkanovski
Alexander Volkanovski (via MMA Fighting)

Volkanovski has long trained under Joe Lopez at Freestyle Fighting Gym while also maintaining a strong association with City Kickboxing.

He regularly trains in Auckland alongside UFC stars Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker, and Kai Kara-France. The environment has helped Volkanovski sharpen his striking.

The Australian champion is about to turn 38 and remains one of the UFC’s oldest active champions. Volkanovski has hinted that a disastrous UFC 333 performance could influence his retirement decision. However, longtime coach Joe Lopez has now questioned whether Volkanovski would actually walk away after a loss.

We’ll discuss it with him obviously and go through it but knowing Alex, if he loses, he’ll go, ‘I don’t want to go out on a loss and I want to come back and get it back. Come back on a win.’ I just know how competitive he is. I just know the way he is so it’s a fine line, a double-edged sword.

Joe Lopez via Submission Radio

Ultimately, Volkanovski’s retirement remains uncertain despite his recent comments surrounding UFC 333. Joe Lopez believes his competitive nature could motivate him to continue fighting after a loss.

With ‘The Great’ still performing at a high level, his future may depend on how the Evloev fight unfolds.

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