A former UFC bantamweight champion has given his two cents on the Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev title bout.
Current and two-time featherweight champion Volkanovski will defend his title against the undefeated Evloev later this month at UFC 333.
Evloev has been predicted to finish the Australian. Meanwhile, “The Great” believes he has the tools to counter Evloev’s wrestling, tire the Russian fighter, and force him into a fight he does not want.
Now, Aljamain Sterling, who has previously shared the octagon with Evloev, has given his thoughts on the latter’s next bout.
Aljamain Sterling believes Movsar Evloev does not have what it takes to dethrone Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 333
“Funk Master” believes Alexander Volkanovski’s striking and stand-up is much better than Movsar Evloev’s, and the 32-year-old’s “not very damaging” ground-and-pound is not enough to put Volkanovski in serious trouble. During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Sterling said:
“I think Volk edges this out just because the striking department on the feet… Movsar throws these little shots on the ground, but they’re very little, not very damaging.”
Check out Aljamain Sterling’s comments about Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev below:
Sterling’s assessment makes sense, as Evloev has not yet shown whether he possesses finishing power and KO threat. Evloev has earned all of his UFC victories by decision so far, and although he boasts an undefeated 20-0 pro-MMA record, he has just 3 KO/TKO finishes in his career.
That being said, Evloev showed improved striking against Lerone Murphy earlier this year at UFC London and now believes he can secure his first UFC finish in his upcoming fight against Volkanovski.
Aljamain Sterling meanwhile is set to lock horns with Kevin Vallejos at UFC Qatar. A win over another surging contender would extend his winning streak to 3, and the 37-year-old, who wants to attain two-division glory before he retires, said during the same interview posted above that he is confident he can finish Vallejos and put himself in position to challenge Volkanovski for the featherweight title next year. “Funk Master” added:
“I really think I can finish this kid… early February 2027, Volk might want to be in a position where he’s itching and want to get back.”
