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UFC 333 roundtable: What does this big test mean for Alexander Volkanovski’s legacy?

The UFC 333 main event in Abu Dhabi will feature a clash that could reshape the featherweight division’s legacy. Alexander Volkanovski, already a two-time champion, will defend his title against Movsar Evloev, an unbeaten prospect who has long been seen as the division’s next king.

At 38, Volkanovski’s victory would cement his status as the greatest featherweight of all time, surpassing José Aldo’s UFC title fight win record and tying his title defense tally. Meanwhile, the co-headliner—a bantamweight trilogy between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili—adds another layer of historical weight, as their performances could determine whether Yan solidifies his GOAT claim or if UFC 333 marks the rise of a new era under Evloev’s dominance.

Analysts have framed this card as a turning point, not just for Volkanovski’s legacy but for the entire weight class. A Volkanovski win would silence lingering doubts about his longevity, while an Evloev victory could redefine the division’s future.

Beyond the main event, Yan’s trilogy bout with Dvalishvili offers a similar crossroads: will Yan’s third win against his longtime rival secure his place atop the bantamweight rankings, or will Evloev’s potential title run overshadow their rivalry entirely? The stakes are high, and the outcomes could echo for decades in MMA history.

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