Volkanovski, Evloev Recall Past Sparring Ahead of UFC 333 Title Fight

Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev are scheduled to collide in the main event of UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi, but their upcoming featherweight title clash will not be the first time they have shared the canvas. Speaking to MMA Fighting during UFC 331 fight week in Los Angeles, both fighters revealed details about a sparring session they had years ago before Evloev joined the promotion.

Evloev noted that the session took place when he was still competing at bantamweight outside the UFC, around the time Volkanovski had recently defeated Chad Mendes and was preparing to face Jose Aldo. The undefeated Russian contender, who improved his professional record to 20-0 with a majority decision win over Lerone Murphy in March, emphasized that he wants Volkanovski in peak form so there are no excuses regarding the champion's age or decline if he emerges victorious.

Volkanovski, who is in his second reign as featherweight champion and soon turning 38, confirmed that he remembers the training session but stated he does not dwell on the past. While noting there is no ill will between them, the Australian titleholder stated that he is focused entirely on Evloev's recent performances and believes his own stylistic approach will lead to one of the best showings of his career.