Volkanovski underscores UFC greatness with record ninth title win

Australia's Alexander Volkanovski solidified his status as a UFC legend with his ninth consecutive featherweight title win. The 38-year-old Australian faced previously unbeaten Russian Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi and outperformed his younger opponent in the second round. Volkanovski dominated Evloev with powerful punches and precise ground and pound techniques, forcing the referee to stop the fight with six seconds left in the round.

This victory marked Volkanovski's first stoppage win in six fights since 2023 and his fourth successful defense of the second reign of his second title. Despite taking some damage, Volkanovski expressed his willingness to continue fighting, prompting the question of whether his retirement plans may change. In a co-main event, Russia's Petr Yan secured his second consecutive bantamweight title victory by outscoring Georgia's Merab Dvalishvili. Meanwhile, at the prelims, Australian fighters recorded mixed results against Russian opponents.