Volkanovski knocks out Evloev to retain featherweight title at UFC 333

Volkanovski stopped the unbeaten Evloev in the second round of the Abu Dhabi main event, marking his first knockout over the Russian.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 24 Oct 2026 22:58:24 GMT

Alexander Volkanovski retained his UFC featherweight title on Oct. 24, 2026, by knocking out unbeaten challenger Movsar Evloev in the second round of the UFC 333 main event in Abu Dhabi, according to Independent and Bleacher Report.

What happened

The bout began with a closely contested first round, after which Volkanovski increased pressure in round two. With six seconds remaining, he landed a left hook followed by a right cross that forced Evloev to cover up and fall to the canvas. Volkanovski then employed ground‑and‑pound to force the referee’s stoppage, delivering a technical knockout.

What the reports add

Independent noted that the knockout came after Volkanovski “loaded up on his shots” late in the round, while Bleacher Report supplied strike statistics: Volkanovski landed 45 of 109 attempts and secured one takedown, whereas Evloev connected on 37 of 88 strikes and achieved three takedowns on seven attempts. Independent also reported that the victory came six seconds before the round’s end, and highlighted Volkanovski’s comment that the fight fell on his wedding anniversary, prompting him to finish quickly for his wife.

What was said

Volkanovski told the cage, “Look he’s a great fighter, he is – was – undefeated for a reason… It feels good to get a finish. It was actually my wedding anniversary on Wednesday, so I promised my wife a quick one so she wasn’t stressing.” (Independent). Evloev responded, “He’s like good wine: older, stronger, better. I’m grateful for this opportunity to be here… I didn’t prove that I’m the best – I’m not yet maybe, right?” (Independent). In a later podcast interview, Volkanovski said, “Imagine that, do it as a send‑off… Gaethje, Volk. I think he’s said that he maybe…” as reported by Bleacher Report via Brett Okamoto of ESPN.

How it came about

Felo News previously covered the matchup in a preview article (Volkanovski faces unbeaten Evloev at UFC 333 amid age speculation), noting Volkanovski’s age of 38 and Evloev’s perfect 20‑0 record. That piece highlighted Volkanovski’s focus on intensity in training and the bout’s setting at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 24. The knockout outcome now confirms the champion’s ability to adapt his game plan against a highly touted prospect.

Key facts

Alexander Volkanovski knocked out Movsar Evloev in round two of UFC 333. (independent.co.uk)
The knockout occurred with six seconds left in the round. (independent.co.uk)
Volkanovski landed 45 of 109 strikes and secured one takedown. (bleacherreport.com)
Evloev landed 37 of 88 strikes and secured three takedowns. (bleacherreport.com)
Volkanovski said the fight fell on his wedding anniversary. (independent.co.uk)