UFC 333 takeaways: Alexander Volkanovski just ended the featherweight GOAT debate

UFC 333 concluded with a powerful display of combat sports prowess on Saturday evening, as both championship belts remained in the hands of the reigning champions. Here are the key takeaways from the evening's action-packed event.

First and foremost, Alexander Volkanovski has put an end to any lingering debates surrounding his status as the greatest featherweight of all time. The 38-year-old Volkanovski delivered an impressive knockout in the second round, showcasing his continued dominance in the division. He has now amassed nine title fight victories in the featherweight category, solidifying his place among the GOATs.

Volkanovski's performance at UFC 333 exemplifies the rare talent of a fighter who continues to evolve and excel well into their 30s.

Meanwhile, Petr Yan has proven once again that he is the undisputed champion of the bantamweight division. In a thrilling trilogy fight, Yan dominated Merab Dvalishvili over the course of all three rounds, ultimately securing a decisive victory. Yan's relentless aggression and relentless pressure forced Dvalishvili into a defensive stance, leaving little doubt about Yan's superiority. This victory solidifies Yan's position as the dominant force in the bantamweight division, with no doubt that he is the true champion.

Lone er Kavanagh continues to make waves in the flyweight division, showcasing his growth and potential after a rocky start to his professional career. After suffering a submission loss to Brandon Royval, Kavanagh rebounded with a stunning knockout victory over Ramazan Temirov. At just 27 years old, Kavanagh demonstrates a bright future ahead in the sport, with ample opportunities to join the elite ranks of the flyweight division.

Alexander Volkov, while facing a less-than-stellar press conference stunt, managed to capture the attention of the MMA world with his impressive three-fight winning streak. Despite ongoing recognition issues, Volkov's consistent victories make a strong case for his place among the upper echelon of heavyweight contenders. This win over Rizvan Kuniev has reignited the discussion surrounding his potential to become a title contender, further elevating his profile in the division.

Lastly, Movsar Evloev faces a challenging period in the UFC's wrestling-centric promotion. As the focus shifts towards action-packed fighters and quick knockouts, Evloev's decision-heavy approach to fighting becomes increasingly problematic. While his 20-1 record remains impressive, the current landscape of the UFC favors fighters who can deliver exciting, high-octane performances. Evloev's recent loss to Volkanovski highlights the difficulties faced by wrestlers-first fighters in today's competitive landscape.