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Khabib Nurmagomedov sends a supportive message to Movsar Evloev ahead of his UFC 333 title challenge
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

‘The Eagle’ will be rooting for his fellow countryman to dethrone Alexander Volkanovski.

Saturday’s UFC 333 event in Abu Dhabi will conclude with the second defense of the Australian legend’s sophomore reign as featherweight king.

After consecutive wins over Diego Lopes, Volkanovski will be challenged by Movsar Evloev, an undefeated contender who has long been tipped as the champion’s biggest threat.

And one Russian star who finished his career without tasting defeat inside the Octagon is hoping to see Evloev follow in his footsteps by winning UFC gold with his ‘0’ still intact.

If you had to pick one, what’s the one final fight you’d like to see Alexander Volkanovski have?

What should be Alexander Volkanovski's last dance?
What should be Alexander Volkanovski’s last dance? Credit: Mark Metcalfe/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Khabib Nurmagomedov hopes to see Movsar Evloev ‘happy’ after UFC 333

Nurmagomedov enjoyed an undefeated rise to the UFC lightweight title and reeled off three successful defenses before riding off into the sunset in 2020.

For Evloev to have the chance to do the same, he must first do what only one man has done inside the Octagon by beating ‘Alexander the Great’ at 145 pounds.

Since Volkanovski was knocked out by Ilia Topuria in February 2024, the Aussie has defied the predictions of many and his age to begin another stint as featherweight champ.

He is being favored by many to continue that reign at Evloev’s expense, but Nurmagomedov is not among the major names in Volkanovski’s metaphorical corner on fight night.

In a recent post on his Instagram Stories, the retired Dagestani legend sent Evloev a supportive message just hours out from his very first title shot in the UFC.

“I really hope that this person will be happy tomorrow. Keep your head cool and only go forward, brother 👊,” Nurmagomedov wrote.

Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev face off at the UFC 333 ceremonial weigh-ins
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Evloev has had to work hard for his opportunity, needing 10 straight wins to finally be placed opposite the featherweight champ.

The Russian has struggled to finish fights inside the distance, but he won’t care how he gets his hand raised on October 24, as long as he leaves Etihad Arena with the gold in his possession.

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