Alexander Volkanovski Starts Training Camp as Rumored Movsar Evloev Title Fight Nears Announcement

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski started to sharpen his wrestling ahead of potential Movsar Evloev clash.

Alexander Volkanovski Starts Training Camp as Rumored Movsar Evloev Title Fight Nears Announcement

Alexander Volkanovski begins training for Movsar Evloev (via MMA Fighting, Bloody Elbow)

Alexander Volkanovski remains determined to prove himself as the UFC featherweight GOAT while preparing for another title defense. The 37-year-old champion has already started his preparation despite the UFC not announcing the official bout. Volkanovski was recently seen working on his wrestling before potentially taking on the Russian star Movsar Evloev.

After reclaiming the featherweight title at UFC 314, Volkanovski halted Diego Lopes‘ rapid rise with a unanimous decision victory to regain championship gold. He successfully defended the belt in their rematch at UFC 325, once again defeating Lopes over five rounds to strengthen his second reign as UFC featherweight champion.

Evloev has remained one of the UFC featherweight division’s top contenders for years. He recently defeated previously unbeaten Lerone Murphy by majority decision at UFC London, improving his undefeated record to 20-0. Expecting Evloev next, Volkanovski has already started sharpening his wrestling for the Russian’s grappling threat.

It’s not locked in, but you know, it’s pretty obvious it’s probably gonna be Movsar. So, get all that wrestling in nice and early.

Alexander Volkanovski via his YouTube channel

‘Volk’ already possesses a strong wrestling background, having won a national Greco-Roman wrestling championship in Australia as a teenager before switching to rugby. He was recently seen training at Bangtao Muay Thai and MMA in Thailand, sharpening his wrestling against multiple younger training partners ahead of his expected title defense.

Volkanovski has long welcomed the challenge of facing elite Dagestani-style wrestlers, viewing it as another opportunity to elevate his legacy. He previously faced Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 and successfully neutralized much of the Dagestani’s wrestling despite losing a closely contested unanimous decision.

The UFC recently announced its return to Abu Dhabi with UFC 333, adding momentum to the featherweight title picture. Following the announcement, Evloev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, teased major news involving the undefeated Dagestani contender. An official title fight announcement could now be on the horizon.

The Australian champion was highly frustrated with the UFC’s matchmaking for his second fight against Lopes at UFC 325. Volkanovski publicly criticized the promotion for overlooking contenders like Evloev, who had been waiting for a featherweight title shot. He emphasized the need to reward fighters who earn their position in the rankings.

While preparing for his potential title defense, Alexander Volkanovski also continued contributing outside the Octagon. He recently cornered Mauricio Ruffy during his knockout victory over Michael Chandler at UFC Freedom 250, highlighting his wrestling coaching role. The champion now remains focused on further building his legacy.

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Rising contender trains his aim at Alexander Volkanovski after recent UFC debut

Dana White’s Contender Series has produced countless future UFC champions and established itself as a pathway for rising talent. One such prospect is Tommy McMillen, who made a major impression by defeating David Mgoyan at DWCS Season 9 Week 4. His dominant performance even earned a standing ovation from UFC CEO Dana White.

McMillen has built his MMA career through a strong wrestling foundation and a connection to former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley. The Great Falls native is now based in Arizona, where he trains alongside O’Malley and coach Tim Welch at Red Hawk Academy.

Alexander Volkanovski
Alexander Volkanovski (via MMA Fighting)

McMillen made his UFC debut against Manolo Zecchini at UFC Vegas 115, earning a first-round TKO victory. He later defeated Alberto Montes by third-round TKO at UFC Oklahoma City, setting a significant strike record. Despite limited UFC experience, ‘Gun’ revealed he is ready to face Alexander Volkanovski.

I’ll take Volk. He’s like 42 years old, he’s 5’5, what’s his path to victory? He’s gonna bang with me for five rounds? I’ve never even seen a fourth or fifth round; those are gonna be my best rounds. If the UFC came to me and paid the right amount of money, yes, I’ll go step in there and fight anybody in the top 15, knowing I can win.

Tommy McMillen via One Night with Steiny podcast

Despite being 37 years old, Volkanovski remains a major challenge for any fighter in the UFC. The two-time champion’s experience and technical ability continue making him an elite competitor. While McMillen is ambitious, the young contender still faces a long path toward reaching Alexander Volkanovski’s level.

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