Movsar Evloev is ready to do whatever it takes for a title shot – even if he doesn’t have the UFC’s backing.
The undefeated contender was not part of the title equation when Ilia Topuria relinquished his UFC featherweight title. Instead, the promotion matched up Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes at UFC 314, where Volkanovski emerged victorious and captured the vacant belt.
Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) recalls trying to congratulate Volkanovski backstage to perhaps help build his case for a title fight, but says the UFC prevented that from happening.
“As I understand it, the UFC is trying to keep me as far away from anything title-related as possible,” Evloev told Kolos on MMA in a translated interview. “I was at UFC 314. After the fight, I had the opportunity to talk to the UFC. They did not want this. When the (event) was over, we were walking out through the hallway.
“Volk was standing not far from me, talking to fans and staff, taking pictures. … I wanted to go up to him and congratulate him personally, ask him about the fight, but the security guys didn’t give me that opportunity and took me to the opposite side. This shows who the UFC wants to see in the fight for the belt.”
Volkanovski (27-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC) has said on multiple occasions that he’s willing to defend his title against Evloev next. Newcomer and former Bellator standout Aaron Pico revealed that the UFC was trying to match him up with Evloev for his debut, but the fight fell through.
All nine of Evloev’s UFC wins have gone the distance, which is likely why the promotion has opted against awarding him a title shot so far. Either way, Evloev has no issue continuing to rack up wins.
“Apparently, in their eyes, I am not worthy of the title yet,” Evloev said. “Give me the opportunity to prove that I’m worthy. If nine wins in the best organization in the world is not enough, I’m ready to fight nine more times. Maybe the UFC will sign someone else, some debutant for me to test him.”
