Movsar Evloev, an undefeated UFC featherweight contender, has shared a detailed plan for how he would face champion Alexander Volkanovski if given a title shot. Speaking on the Overdogs Podcast on April 18, 2025, Evloev outlined his strategy to dominate the fight by blending striking with his superior power and control. With a perfect 19-0 record and nine UFC wins, Evloev is confident he can take the belt from the two-time champion.
Evloev described exactly how he would approach a fight with Volkanovski, who reclaimed the featherweight title by defeating Diego Lopes at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025, in Miami.
“I think if I face him, I will just push him to the wall,” Evloev said on the Overdogs Podcast. “So don’t let him run from me, don’t let him move. And then he has to exchange with me, then he will tire. Or I will break him because I know that I have bigger power, better wrestling, and I can control this guy for five rounds or finish on the ground.” h/t MMAFighting
Evloev’s plan focuses on pinning Volkanovski against the cage, forcing him to strike, and either exhausting him or finishing him on the ground over five rounds.
Evloev Vows to Strike and Responds to Style Criticism
Known for his wrestling-heavy approach, Evloev has been criticized for lacking finishes, as all his UFC wins have come by decision. He explained how this affected his preparation for his last fight against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 on December 7, 2024.
“For the last fight with Aljo, I was focused almost 100 percent for striking because UFC only talking about ‘I have no finish, just wrestling style,’ so I was trying to show them I have good striking also,” Evloev said. “But in this fight, I cannot show it because my opponent just take me down and tried to do some jiu-jitsu with me, that’s why it’s not easy to show you striking when you’re just rolling on the floor.”
Determined to change perceptions, Evloev made a bold promise for a potential title shot against Volkanovski.
“OK, I can promise them that I’m not going to take down anyone if they give me a title shot,” he said. “I’m not going to go there first. If they try to take me down, OK, I’ll accept this, but I’m not going to go first. I will just go straight striking, so let’s see.”
This commitment to striking is a big shift for Evloev, aiming to prove he can match a skilled striker like Volkanovski while still relying on his wrestling if needed.
Volkanovski is known for his precise striking and excellent movement, making Evloev’s strategy a risky but exciting challenge. Fans are talking on social media, with some praising Evloev’s confidence and others doubting he can outstrike the champion. Evloev is pushing for a title shot at International Fight Week in June 2025, but the UFC has not yet confirmed Volkanovski’s next opponent. As the featherweight division heats up, Evloev’s bold plan has fans eager to see if he can get his chance and execute his strategy against one of the best in the division.
