Two-division MMA Series champion Nikita Barkhatov believes undefeated Russian contender Movsar Evloev will dethrone Alexander Volkanovski to claim the UFC featherweight title.

Barkhatov expects a closely contested five-round battle between the champion and challenger, with the outcome ultimately decided on the judges' scorecards. He also believes a split decision could be on the cards.

"I think it's going to be a very close fight. It'll go the distance, and Evloev will win. It could even be a split decision," Barkhatov said.

Volkanovski and Evloev are set to headline UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Evloev (20-0), who remains unbeaten in his professional MMA career, will make his first bid for UFC gold. Volkanovski (28-4), meanwhile, will look to successfully defend his featherweight crown once again.

Barkhatov made MMA Series history in May 2026, becoming the first fighter in the promotion's history to capture titles in two weight classes — featherweight and lightweight.