VOLKANOVSKI Admits He Does NOT CARE About BELT — EVLOEV Next
“I did not care one bit.”
The featherweight champion says the belt means nothing to him before his 12th straight title fight at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.
"I did not care one bit."
Alexander Volkanovski said it plainly on his YouTube channel this week. Winning his belt back did not give him the feeling he expected.
This matters now because Volkanovski defends that belt against Movsar Evloev on October 24 at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. It is his 12th title fight in a row.
No Belt, No Problem
Volkanovski, 38, holds a 28-4 record in MMA. He reclaimed the title against Diego Lopes in April 2025, after back-to-back knockout losses.
He was the first man over 35 to win a UFC title in the lighter weight classes. He was also the first to win gold after two straight knockout defeats.
None of that is his fuel. He said the belt left him disappointed, because he expected to finally appreciate being champion.
"I did not care one bit."
The Drive Is Still There
Do not mistake honesty for a lack of hunger. Volkanovski was clear that his work rate has not dropped at all.
"If I take a fight, I'm going to train harder than anyone."
He also admitted his age is real. He said he is not the fighter he was at 32 or 33, but his fight IQ and experience close that gap.
"I'm not in my prime, but do I believe I'm still the best? Yes."
The Man Across From Him
Evloev is undefeated. A win takes him to 21-0 as a professional and 11-0 in the UFC.
He earned this shot by beating Lerone Murphy at UFC London seven months ago. He has promised for years that he will be champion one day.
If Volkanovski wins, he passes Jose Aldo's eight title-fight wins. That would be the most in featherweight history.
So here is the test. Can a champion who does not need the belt stop the one man who has never lost? October 24 answers it.
