Islam Makhachev shows support for Movsar Evloev after his defeat to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 333! Evloev suffered the first loss of his professional MMA career after being knocked out by Volkanovski in their featherweight title fight. Despite the heartbreaking result, Islam showed love to his fellow fighter, reminding everyone that one defeat doesn't erase everything Movsar has achieved.
Islam Makhachev has publicly backed fellow Russian Movsar Evloev after the featherweight contender suffered the first defeat of his professional career at UFC 333.
Evloev was knocked out in the second round by Alexander Volkanovski on October 24 in a featherweight title fight. Makhachev responded with a message of support, reminding fans that one loss does not erase everything Evloev has built.
Evloev, 32, entered the fight 20-0 and ranked number one at featherweight. He now stands at 20-1. The American Top Team fighter built his reputation on wrestling, averaging 4.78 takedowns per 15 minutes, and had won his two previous recorded bouts by decision: a majority nod over Lerone Murphy on March 21 and a unanimous verdict against Aljamain Sterling in December 2024. The stoppage against Volkanovski was the first time he failed to hear the final bell in those recent outings.
The numbers show a stark striking contrast. Volkanovski lands 5.99 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy, compared with Evloev's 3.91 at 47 percent. Evloev held a 72-inch reach to Volkanovski's 71, but the champion's volume and precision told in the end.
Makhachev, 34, is the reigning welterweight champion at 29-1. He last fought on August 15, when he retained his belt with a unanimous decision over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. He lands 2.27 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy and averages 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes, a grappling-first profile not unlike that of his countryman.
Makhachev also knows Volkanovski better than almost anyone. He beat the Australian twice: by unanimous decision at UFC 284 in February 2023, then by first-round KO/TKO at UFC 294 that October. Volkanovski, now 29-4 at age 38, has since rebuilt himself as featherweight champion, with this win coming after back-to-back decision victories over Diego Lopes.
Why it matters
- Evloev's unbeaten record is gone, but he remains a top-ranked featherweight with a long list of wins behind him.
- Volkanovski adds a second-round knockout to his title reign, further extending his run at 145 pounds.
- Makhachev's public support highlights the close ties among Russian fighters across weight classes.
