ABU DHABI – Alexander Volkanovski knows there are eager challengers waiting for him after UFC 333.

Volkanovski (28-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) defends his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev (20-0 MMA, 10-0 UFC) in Saturday's main event at Etihad Arena on Yas Island (Paramount+).

While the word retirement popped up in some of Volkanovski's recent interviews, he shut that idea down. He zeroed in on a couple of potential challengers he sees most worthy of a title shot should he get past Evloev.

"After Movsar, you've got your Jean Silvas, you've got your Aljamain (Sterlings), who are both pretty much in the exact same position," Volkanovski told MMA Junkie. "They're the ones who stand out the most right now. ... That's another one – (Kevin Vallejos) there. So whether Kevin can get a title fight that quick and jump the line, I don't know.

"At the same time, Aljamain and Silva, they're probably closest. But Kevin, he's definitely someone – this is a test for him. You see a lot of guys who look good until they fight a veteran with fight IQ that's calculated. Kevin is going to have a tough one here, but if he proves himself, he's going to show that he deserves to be at the top."

Silva (18-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) is fresh off a submission of Jose Delgado at Noche UFC this past September. Sterling (26-5 MMA, 18-5 UFC) meets dangerous contender Vallejos (18-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 294 on Nov. 21 from ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar.