Paddy Pimblett has a harsh review for Movsar Evloev’s disappointing UFC 333 performance.
Evloev challenged Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title in this past Saturday’s main event in Abu Dhabi, but failed to make it out of the second round as Volkanovski put him away with a flurry of strikes with just six seconds remaining in the period. It was the first loss of Evloev’s career, dropping him to 20-1, and he praised Volkanovski afterwards in his post-fight interview.
As pleasant as Evloev’s attitude is, Pimblett wasn’t impressed with the challenger failing to gut it out and make it to the next round.
“He’s hurt, he cut him there, he’s bleeding,” Pimblett said in a live reaction video to the fight. “It’s over, boom. Volk gets the finish. Evloev quit there, for me. Just rolled over.
“When there’s five seconds left, you’ve got to keep moving so the fight stays on. You can’t start just covering up.”
On his path to the title shot, Evloev developed a reputation for grinding out wins with his relentless wrestling, going 10-0 in the UFC with all of his victories by decision. He defeated fellow contenders Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, and Diego Lopes to earn his opportunity, with Volkanovski himself frequently campaigning for Evloev to be granted the opportunity.
Pimblett correctly predicted that Evloev would struggle to dominate the fight with his grappling and that Volkanovski’s standup would prove to be the difference.
“Evloev vs. Volk, undefeated vs. the old veteran, arguably the greatest featherweight of all time, Alexander Volkanovski,” Pimblett said. “People have been saying for years now that he should fight Evloev and Evloev’s his toughest opponent and stuff like that, so let’s find out.
“Evloev’s route to victory is takedown and control, but it’s very hard to do that to Volkanovski, so he might be forced to strike with him and I think Volk’s a much better striker.”
In the opening round of the fight, Evloev eventually went to his wrestling as expected, but the well-rounded Volkanovski avoided being put in any disadvantageous positions. In Round 2, Volkanovski clearly began to pull away, and Pimblett credits his shifty striking with setting up the climactic finish.
“Volk’s landing a lot more now,” Pimblett said. “That overhand is working for him. Right behind the ear. That left hook landed there. Volk took over this round. The first round was close, but Volk took over.
“It’s the feints with Volk. That’s why he’s landing, because of all the feints. Making him think he’s going to throw something all the time, so when he actually does throw, he doesn’t see it coming.”
TOP STORIES
Report. The MMA Fighting crew figures out what’s next for the inimitable Alexander Volkanovski.
Grades. Dominick Reyes gives Daniel Cormier an “F-plus” for his UFC 333 commentary.
Return? Could former light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira return to the division if he loses at UFC 335?
Choice. Arman Tsarukyan would love to face either Justin Gaethje or Volkanovski next.
Shenanigans. King Green involved in car accident while streaming.
More Shenanigans. Former UFC fighter Khusein Askhabov had a recent fight overturned due to chaotic finish.
VIDEO STEW
Behind the scenes with the champ.
Deep Waters UFC 333 recap.
Break it down.
More of The Commentary Scorecard.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Onward.
I need this fight NOW.
Makes sense?
Fancy lad.
Happy birthday!
Take it easy!
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Begin again.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Still reeling from that delightful UFC 333 event. It really had everything, from elite technique to that stunning back-and-forth co-main event to proper squash matches that elevated potential contenders, there’s really not a lot you can say bad about the card. One of the best shows of the year.
Now, on to UFC Vegas 123!
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