ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | TUNGARU PRESS | October 25, 2026
Australian mixed martial arts star Alexander Volkanovski has revealed that he refused to take medication after falling ill just hours before his featherweight title defence at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.
Despite feeling unwell on fight day, Volkanovski went on to defeat previously unbeaten challenger Movsar Evloev by second-round knockout, successfully defending his UFC featherweight championship.
Illness Strikes Hours Before Main Event
Volkanovski said he began feeling sick on the day of the fight, creating an unexpected challenge ahead of one of the biggest contests on the card.
According to reporter Oscar Willis, the Australian fighter declined medication, including ibuprofen, because he believed taking it could provide an advantage in competition.
Volkanovski maintained that he was fit enough to enter the Octagon and viewed illness and injuries as challenges athletes sometimes have to overcome.
Second-Round Knockout Ends Evloev's Unbeaten Run
The illness did not prevent Volkanovski from delivering a decisive performance against Evloev.
The Australian champion stopped his opponent in the second round, retaining his featherweight title and handing Evloev the first defeat of his professional MMA career.
Evloev entered the contest with an undefeated record of 20 victories.
The result marked another significant achievement for Volkanovski, who overcame concerns about his physical condition to secure the victory.
No Immediate Plans Announced
Following the fight, no further details were provided about Volkanovski's next title defence or his immediate plans.
His comments about refusing medication have added another dimension to the victory, highlighting his personal approach to competing while unwell.
For Volkanovski, the night ended with his championship intact and another knockout victory, despite an unexpected setback just hours before the fight.
Source: Fight details and comments attributed to reporter Oscar Willis, as provided in the original report.
Adapted and rewritten for Tungaru Press
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