Volkanovski: Evloev's Wrestling 'Not Enough' Ahead of UFC 333

Alexander Volkanovski is preparing for a historic defense when he faces undefeated challenger Movsar Evloev on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi at UFC 333. A victory for the reigning featherweight champion would give him the all-time record for most title fight wins in UFC featherweight history. Standing in his way is Evloev, who holds a perfect 20-0 professional record—including 10-0 inside the UFC—and has racked up 49 takedowns in the Octagon, 22 of which came against Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, and Arnold Allen.

Speaking at Wednesday’s UFC 333 media day, Volkanovski acknowledged the challenger's elite pedigree on the mat. "[Evloev has] incredible wrestling," Volkanovski said. "One of the best in the UFC, definitely the best in our division.

But again, it’s just not enough for me, you know what I mean? I think he’s got great wrestling, but when it comes to MMA and all that sort of stuff, it’s just not enough. I get to show that anyway."

Volkanovski's own defensive wrestling numbers back up his confidence. The champion has won 15 of his 18 UFC appearances over the past decade and has surrendered only 10 takedowns while competing in the featherweight division. The only opponent to register significant takedowns against him recently was lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who took Volkanovski down four times during their first encounter at 155 pounds.

While Volkanovski emphasized that he respects Evloev's skillset, he insists he will not be flustered if taken to the ground in Abu Dhabi. "Even if you get me there, I’m not going to panic," Volkanovski said. "We know I’m going to get back to the feet and the damage that he’s going to try and do in those positions, it’s going to be impossible.

As soon as he tries to do damage, he’s just going to lose me straight away. He’s going to try and hang on and that still won’t be enough."