Volkanovski retains featherweight title at UFC 333

• AP, ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates

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Alexander Volkanovski stopped previously unbeaten Movsar Evloev at 4:54 of the second round Saturday to retain his featherweight championship at UFC 333.

The 38-year-old Australian overwhelmed Evloev with punches late in the round, sending the challenger to the canvas before the referee intervened with 6 seconds remaining.

Volkanovski (29-4) earned his ninth UFC featherweight title-fight win, tying Jose Aldo for the most in division history. Evloev (20-1) lost for the first time in 11 UFC appearances.

Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski, right, and Russia’s Movsar Evloev fight during the featherweight title bout at the mixed martial arts UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Photo: AP

Already the oldest fighter to win and defend the UFC featherweight championship, Volkanovski extended his success during his second reign atop the division. He improved to 16-3 in UFC, with all six of his stoppage victories coming by knockout or technical knockout.

Despite giving up size to the challenger, Volkanovski pressed the action early and repeatedly regained his footing after first-round takedowns. Evloev struggled to turn those opportunities into sustained control.

Volkanovski developed swelling and a cut beneath his left eye, but continued finding openings with his punches. A right hand staggered Evloev in the second round, and Volkanovski followed with a barrage that left the challenger covering up on the canvas.

Evloev won each of his first 10 UFC appearances by decision, becoming the first fighter in promotion history to start his career with that many decision wins.

Afterward, Volkanovski welcomed more challengers in the division and said he wanted to keep competing.

“You got a lot of these guys that are trying to get that No. 1 spot,” Volkanovski said. “They’re pushing for it, and that’s what I like to see.”