Volkanovski stops Evloev at UFC 333 to break featherweight title record

Australian Alexander Volkanovski defeated Movsar Evloev via a second-round technical knockout (TKO) on Sunday, 25 October, to retain his UFC featherweight title at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The stoppage occurred at 4:54 of the second round at UFC 333, handing the previously undefeated Russian challenger his first professional career loss. Volkanovski breaks divisional record The victory marks Volkanovski’s ninth UFC featherweight title-fight win, surpassing the previous record held by Brazilian fighter Jose Aldo. With this result, Volkanovski becomes the most successful champion in the history of the 145-pound division by total title-fight victories. The Australian fighter controlled the pace from the opening bell before securing the finish late in the second frame. In the co-main event, Petr Yan successfully defended his bantamweight championship for the first time. The Russian fighter defeated Georgia’s Merab Dvalishvili by decision, concluding a three-fight trilogy between the rivals. The bout served as the primary support to the featherweight headliner before a capacity crowd at the Yas Island venue. Impact on UFC rankings This event, organized as part of the UFC's ongoing partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, reshapes the top tier of the featherweight and bantamweight divisions. Evloev’s first loss removes him from the ranks of undefeated title contenders, while Volkanovski’s record-breaking performance solidifies his position at the top of…