Movsar Evloev will challenge UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 333 on October 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The undefeated contender carries a 20-0 professional record into his first championship opportunity.
Evloev has also set a personal goal for the bout: the first finish of his UFC career.
Ten UFC Wins, No Finish Yet
Since joining the promotion in 2019, Evloev has won all 10 of his UFC appearances without a knockout or submission.
His recent victories over Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, and Diego Lopes strengthened his title credentials.
Criticism of his finishing record and stretches of inactivity followed him during that run.
Evloev told MMA Fighting that his style may have delayed his title shot, though winning remained the priority.
He said he has worked on his finishing ability since his last fight and feels he now has more tools to end bouts.
Asked about the possibility, he suggested his first finish could come in his first title fight.
Evloev also rejected the idea that a lack of finishes diminishes a fighter's value.
He pointed to his title opportunity as proof that victories and technical quality matter alongside highlight-reel endings.
He added that wrestling can be part of an exciting fight and that knowledgeable fans appreciate it.
Alves Predicts a Dominant Title Win
Volkanovski has questioned whether Evloev's wrestling will be enough, suggesting the challenger will eventually need to strike.
Evloev responded that winning the belt takes priority over taking risks for personal pride.
He said his republic and country are waiting for him to bring the title home.
The challenger also explained that his grappling could create knockout openings by tiring the champion.
He dismissed Volkanovski's suggestion that the champion could undermine his confidence.
Thiago Alves, a former UFC welterweight title challenger who coaches at American Top Team in Florida, has prepared Evloev for the fight.
In UFC 333 Countdown footage on the promotion's official YouTube channel, Alves called Volkanovski one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in UFC history.
Alves said the champion can strike, wrestle, and grapple, so his team must prepare for everything while imposing its own will.
He framed the contest as a changing of the guard in the featherweight division.
Citing Evloev's physical attributes and skill, Alves predicted a victory by domination.
According to the report from MMA Sucka, Evloev is 32 and Volkanovski is 38.
UFC 333 headlines with Evloev's challenge for Volkanovski's featherweight championship on October 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
