Dana White and team fail to find replacement for top contender Movsar Evloev on UFC 307 card

UFC featherweight, Movsar Evloev’s UFC 307 fight camp was wasted as the fighter didn't get a replacement for Aljamain Sterling.

Dana White and team fail to find replacement for top contender Movsar Evloev on UFC 307 card

Movsar Evloev will not fight at UFC 307 as Dana White doesn't get a replacement (via Imago)

One of the most intensely contested and well-stocked weight classes on the UFC roster is the featherweight division. To earn a crack at the championship, all of the best fighters are keen to move up the ranks. However lately, Movsar Evloev finds the procedure to be more and more challenging. 

Movsar Evloev has not competed since January when he defeated Arnold Allen unanimously at UFC 297. Now it seems like the fighter will have to wait a little more for his comeback. According to recent reports, the UFC currently doesn’t have any opponent for the No. 6-ranked featherweight. 

The Russian was originally slated to meet Aljamain Sterling at UFC 307, but the former bantamweight champion was forced to withdraw due to a shoulder issue. To get a replacement fight, Evloev took to X and called out other top featherweights.  But as it turns out there was not a suitable response. 

One of the main targets for Evloev was his former rival Diego Lopes. The Brazilian however, shut down the callout while mocking the fighter. Evloev was excited for his return and promised fans an entertaining bout but for now, it’s not possible. Nevertheless, certain interesting options are going forward.

Movsar Evloev vs. Bryce Mitchell before 2024?

The battle between Movsar Evloev and Aljamain Sterling sparked some fan interest owing to their animosity. Sterling wants to win the UFC championship and is prepared to fight Evloev once he is fully recovered. The timing is conceivable if the fight takes place in November or December. Their rivalry took a dark turn when Sterling accused Evloev of steroid abuse without any evidence. The Russian dismissed the claims and vowed to punish Sterling in the octagon.

Movsar Evloev potentially could fight Bryce Mitchell
Movsar Evloev potentially could fight Bryce Mitchell (via Imago/X)

Other than that, controversial fighter, Bryce Mitchell is also looking forward to his UFC return and is ready to take on Movsar Evloev. However, the fight isn’t in favor of short-notice fights and wants some time to prepare for it. In the latest interview, the fighter had some suggestions for Evloev. 

Two months, and I think that’s fair to ask. And if he really wants that fight, two months is not that long of a wait for what they’re paying him. He can survive two more months without a paycheck. I think he should fight me in two months.
Bryce Mitchell via The Schmo 
YouTube video

Mitchell’s last outing ended with a brutal KO loss which he suffered against Josh Emmett at UFC 296. It was a horrific knockout but it looks like the fighter has recovered from it. He was recently seen hanging out with former champion, Sean Strickland, which definitely raised some eyebrows. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see whether Mitchell gets to fight Movsar Evloev in the future.