Islam Makhachev praises ‘real man’ Movsar Evloev for his classy reaction to losing at UFC 333

Islam Makhachev praised fellow fighter Movsar Evloev for showing class after suffering the first defeat of his professional MMA career at UFC 333. Evloev entered the bout with a 20-0 record but was knocked out in two rounds by featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in Abu Dhabi. Despite the loss, Evloev commended Volkanovski as a legend during his post-fight interview, prompting Makhachev to publicly call him a "real man" on social media.

Meanwhile, Makhachev also became a talking point during the broadcast following an announcement by UFC CEO Dana White. The promotion revealed an interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for UFC 336. White stated the interim belt was created due to Makhachev's inactivity and decision to delay his next defense until after Ramadan.