Movsar Evloev Says UFC 333 Fight Could Force His Retirement

Movsar Evloev has said a disastrous night at UFC 333 could make him retire, with the 32-year-old set to challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC featherweight title in October. The fight will headline the card and represents the biggest opportunity of Evloev’s career.

Evloev earned his title shot by defeating Lerone Murphy at UFC London earlier this year. Murphy had been unbeaten before that contest, while Evloev’s victory moved him into position to face the reigning champion.

The Russian contender responded to comments from Volkanovski about his own future. The Australian had indicated that severe damage and a poor performance in the upcoming fight could persuade him to stop competing, while a clean and successful outing would encourage him to continue.

Evloev expressed a similar view in a comment beneath an Instagram post discussing Volkanovski’s remarks. He indicated that he, too, could walk away if the UFC 333 contest went extremely badly.

Volkanovski enters the bout as the current UFC featherweight champion and a two-time holder of the 145-pound title. He had previously considered retirement before his rematch with Diego Lopes, but a more convincing decision win in that fight was followed by a new UFC contract.

That deal suggested Volkanovski intended to remain active for another two or three years. His planned future, however, could change after facing the undefeated Evloev, while Evloev has now made clear that the result and the damage suffered may also determine whether he continues his career.