Volkanovski Confident He Can Neutralize Evloev's Wrestling at UFC 317

Alexander Volkanovski has made clear he holds no fear of Movsar Evloev's wrestling heading into their featherweight clash at UFC 317, stating publicly that while a takedown may come, it will not be where the fight is decided.

Volkanovski, 37, carries a 28-4 record and holds the featherweight championship, currently ranked third pound-for-pound in the sport. The Australian fighter out of Freestyle Fighting Gym is one of the division's most prolific strikers, averaging nearly six significant strikes landed per minute at a 57 percent accuracy rate — numbers that reflect a sustained pressure style built around volume and precision.

Evloev enters the contest as the division's top-ranked contender with a perfect 20-0 record. The 32-year-old Russian, who trains out of American Top Team, brings arguably the most dangerous grappling in the featherweight division, averaging 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes. His reach of 72 inches — notably longer than Volkanovski's 71-inch span — gives him additional tools in the clinch.

Volkanovski addressed the grappling threat directly, conceding that Evloev has the ability to put him on the mat but insisting he will not be kept there. He pointed specifically to his previous fight against Islam Makhachev as a reference point, arguing that surviving and escaping against a wrestler of that caliber validates his confidence on the ground. Makhachev, now competing at welterweight, averages 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes — a benchmark Evloev surpasses considerably.

Why it matters

• Evloev's unbeaten record and elite takedown rate make him the most serious title threat in the featherweight division
• Volkanovski's ability to keep the fight standing could be decisive given his significant striking output advantage
• A champion versus top contender matchup at UFC 317 carries direct title implications for the 145-pound weight class