Volkanovski Welcomes An Evloev Fight

UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski has welcomed Movsar Evloev as his next challenger, following the Russian’s majority decision victory over Lerone Murphy at UFC London.

Evloev (31) used his post-fight interview to poke fun at the 37-year-old champion’s age, as he called him out: “Before he gets too old, let’s make it happen. I’m ready in May.” Volkanovski offered a direct “guarantee” to both the fans and his new No. 1 contender that the fight would not be boring, despite criticism over Evloev’s style.

Volkanovski also addressed the primary concern regarding Evloev’s wrestling-heavy style, as he admitted he was surprised that Evloev chose to stand and trade with Murphy for the first two rounds. While Evloev is targeting May, Volkanovski indicated his preference is a return in July or August, potentially headlining a massive card in Australia or Abu Dhabi.

“I’m a big believer in wrestling and all that. If you can control someone, then good on ya. Obviously, you want to make it exciting, but at the same time it’s Mixed Martial Arts. But what I love about it – I don’t care about it, because it ain’t going to be a boring fight with me. Because you ain’t holding me down, I can guarantee you that.

“That’s one thing I’m very confident in, and one thing I did say in the post-fight show…I don’t want him to feel like he has to strike with me; I don’t want any excuses. Try to wrestle, but if you get me to the ground, I’m going to get straight back up and fight on the feet anyway. That’s why I know that Movsar’s style isn’t going to be boring when you fight me.

“If anything, I bet you I end up on top and do more damage anyway. It’ll be a fun fight, I want him to do everything he can to try to win. Obviously, he’s a winner, and I want him to try that with me just to show him that – you know how to win, but you don’t know how to win against me,” Volkanovski said