Sports · Combat Sports · 3 hrs ago
Volkanovski stops Evloev to claim record ninth UFC featherweight title win
Alexander Volkanovski stopped Movsar Evloev in the second round of their UFC 333 fight in Abu Dhabi.
The win gave the Australian a record ninth UFC featherweight title victory.
Evloev, a Russian contender who had never lost, was stopped by punches with six seconds left in the round.
Volkanovski said he had fallen ill on fight day, but was well enough to compete; he reportedly refused medication because he felt it could give him a sporting advantage.
The 38-year-old also said he was not ready to retire, adding that he might keep fighting if he had not taken too much damage.
The victory was his second successful defence in his current title reign, and his first stoppage win in six fights since 2023.
No next fight was announced.
Alexander Volkanovski defended his UFC featherweight title by stopping Movsar Evloev in the second round at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.
The win was Volkanovski’s record-extending ninth UFC featherweight title-fight victory.
Volkanovski said he became sick on fight day, while reporter Oscar Willis said he refused medication, including ibuprofen.
Volkanovski said he felt well enough to fight and described illness and other challenges as part of the sport.
He brushed off retirement questions after the win, saying he might continue fighting.
- Who
- Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev. Volkanovski defended his featherweight title.
- What
- Volkanovski stopped Evloev by TKO in the second round. Reporter Oscar Willis said Volkanovski refused medication, including ibuprofen, after becoming ill.
- When
- Saturday night at UFC 333; the articles were published on October 25, 2026.
- Where
- Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- Volkanovski said he felt well enough to fight. Willis said he refused medication because he felt it might give him a sporting advantage.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Volkanovski said he started getting sick before his fight at UFC 333.
Volkanovski stopped Evloev by TKO in the second round in Abu Dhabi.
Volkanovski spoke about his illness at a post-fight press conference, and Oscar Willis reported that he had refused medication.
- Opponent
- Movsar Evloev
- Result
- Second-round TKO
- Event
- UFC 333
- Venue
- Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
- Title-fight wins
- Ninth UFC featherweight title-fight victory
- Medication
- Willis said Volkanovski refused medication, including ibuprofen
2 sources
What people are saying
I was good enough to get out there and get it done
It’s all good. It’s a part of the game. It’s a part of the challenge that I like, anyway.
I started getting sick. I was like, ‘Oh, it would’ve been too easy if I wasn’t sick.’
Alexander Volkanovski was very sick this morning, and refused to take medication (even ibuprofen) because he felt in some way it would be giving him a sporting advantage
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🚨 Alexander Volkanovski reveals he was sick when he fought Movsar Evloev today 🤒 "It's all good, it's a part of the game. I started getting sick, I was like 'it would've been too easy if I wasn't sick.' No matter what hurdles are in front of me, this sh*t excites me."
SECOND ROUND TKO!!!! Alex Volkanovski just defended the title!! #UFC333