The storylines were rich, the fights were tremendous, the skill level was high and there's a lot to look forward to thanks to performances from guys like Alexander Volkanovski and Petr Yan. Volkanovski and Yan had memorable title defenses in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Volkanovski was prepared to retire if things went horribly wrong against Movsar Evloev.
Instead, he delivered a timeless performance, setting the record for most UFC featherweight title fights in the process. With his confidence intact, Volkanovski faces a terrifying challenge. His fellow champion thrived under very different circumstances.
Yan and Merab Dvalishvili were tied one apiece heading into their trilogy. Saturday's fight was just as competitive as their series record implied. It came down to the wire as they split the first four rounds down the middle.
When push came to shove, Yan had a little more juice. In his last fight, Yan achieved the longest gap between two undisputed UFC title reigns for any male athlete. This weekend, he successfully closed his trilogy with whom many considered the best bantamweight ever.
Next, he can avenge what might be the loss that haunts him most. In the aftermath of a memorable UFC 333, take a look at the best fights to make next year. Alexander Volkanovski vs.
Jean Silva: Volkanovski promised to turn back the clock against Evloev. He did exactly that by knocking out the title challenger and snapping his 20-fight undefeated streak. Volkanovski said his future would depend on Saturday's performance.
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