UFC 333: Volkanovski stops Evloev in round two to retain featherweight title

The finish came after a close opening round. BBC Sport reported Evloev finished round one with more significant strikes and takedowns, but Volkanovski took over in the second. An overhand right and a combination put Evloev down, and referee Marc Goddard stopped the fight after ground-and-pound with seconds left in the round.

Evloev said he did not prove he is the best, that he is not there yet and that maybe they will try again. He said he would go home, rest and recover from his injuries. No rematch is booked.

Volkanovski said he started getting sick before the fight and pushed through. Reporter Oscar Willis said he refused medication, even ibuprofen, because he felt it would give him a sporting advantage.

After the fight he said he would probably keep fighting if he took little damage. At the press conference he said a Gaethje super fight is "something I would retire for" and that he would vacate the title either way. Dana White said there is not much the UFC would say no to with him. Gaethje, who became undisputed lightweight champion in June, remains undecided on his own future. Heavy suggested Jean Silva or the winner of Aljamain Sterling vs. Kevin Vallejos as other options, but none of this is official.