EVLOEV: "THIS IS MY TIME" — VOLKANOVSKI TITLE FIGHT NEXT
“Now is my prime... Nothing but respect, but this is my time.”
Unbeaten Movsar Evloev says his best camp has him in his prime for Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 333, while big names split on the upset.
"This is my best camp."
Movsar Evloev told Mike Bohn that the title fight has come at the best time. He says he is in the best shape of his life.
Evloev challenges Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title at UFC 333. The fight is set for October 24 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Why This Shot Is Different
Evloev is 20-0 as a professional. All 10 of his UFC wins have come by decision, built on wrestling and relentless pressure.
He has waited a long time for this chance. Volkanovski himself repeatedly supported Evloev's case for a title shot.
Now the challenger says the wait worked in his favor. At 32, he feels stronger and better conditioned than ever before.
"Now is my prime... Nothing but respect, but this is my time." — Movsar Evloev
The Stars Are Split
Diego Lopes has fought both men, and he backs the champion. Lopes lost to Evloev on his UFC debut and lost twice to Volkanovski in title fights.
Lopes questioned whether Evloev can pressure Volkanovski against the cage and on the ground. He still picks the champion.
Other big names see the upset. FOX Sports reported that Dustin Poirier, Islam Makhachev and Jorge Masvidal all lean toward Evloev.
Masvidal was the bluntest of the three — he is picking Evloev.
The Test Ahead
Lopes has spent 50 minutes in the cage with Volkanovski across two title fights. He has spent 15 minutes with Evloev. He lost every one of those fights.
That is why his pick carries weight. The one man who has tested both still trusts the champion's experience.
Volkanovski is seeking his seventh successful title defense at UFC 333, per FOX Sports. Evloev has never fought for a UFC belt.
Mike Bohn's reporting also says Evloev will not be afraid to strike with the champion. His wrestling built the run, but he plans to stand his ground.
Evloev finally has his shot, in his prime, against a champion he respects. On October 24, does the unbeaten run end with a belt — or with his first loss?
