Alexander Volkanovski stops Movsar Evloev in UFC 333 main event

Featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski put his title on the line in the UFC 333 main event against undefeated top contender Movsar Evloev.

It was Volkanovski’s second title defense of his second 145-pound championship reign. Evloev entered the fight riding an incredible 20 fight winning streak.

Volkanovski landed first with an outside leg kick. He labnded a right hand while staying just out of range of Evloev. They exchanged jabs. Evloev went to the body with a right hand. He landed to the body with a kick. Volkanovski responded with a leg kick. Volkanovski closed the distance and clinched. Evloev secured a takedown but Volkanovski quickly got back to his feet. Volkanovski pressured Evloev and was taken down. He again quickly got to his feet. Volkanovski connected with a right hand. Evloev landed a left hand on the break. Volkanovski clinched but they separated moments later. The champion connected with a right hand. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Evloev.

They exchanged leg kicks to start the second. Evloev landed a right hand. Evloev worked for a takedown but couldn’t get it. Evloev drug Volkanovski to the ground but the champion gained top position. Evloev rolled and scrambled to his feet. Volkanovski landed a right that stunned the challenger. He pressed forward and clinched. Volkanovski was cut below his left eye. A left hand found a home for Volkanovski. Volkanovski hurt Evloev with a right hand. Evloev was cut. Volkanovksi had top position and hammered away with punches. The referee stepped in and stopped it. Volkanovski handed Evloev his first career loss.

The official time of the TKO finish was 4:54 of the second round.