Movsar Evloev scoffs at Ilia Topuria’s power posing a problem in their supposed match-up

Top UFC featherweight contender Movsar Evloev isn't afraid of champion Ilia Topuria’s knockout power ahead of the potential title fight.

Movsar Evloev scoffs at Ilia Topuria’s power posing a problem in their supposed match-up

Movsar Evloev talks about his potential fight with Ilia Topuria (via Imago/X)

The UFC featherweight division is packed with incredible rising talents. Currently, Movsar Evloev stands out as one of the top contenders for a title shot against Ilia Topuria. Confident in his abilities, the Russian has already devised a strategic plan to overcome the champion and claim the belt.

Ilia Topuria is well known for his incredible striking and ability to shut down all his opponents. He has defeated five opponents via KO in his UFC career. However, Evloev is not afraid of that pressure and is confident about his chin.

Ilia is good when he’s going forward. I’m not gonna let him go forward with me. So, I will push him. My head is strong. Even if he touch me, he not gonna knock me down. 

Movsar Evloev via TMZ Sports 

Movsar Evloev recently faced former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 and won the fight via unanimous decision. Following the victory, the fighter talked about the lack of competition for him in the featherweight division. According to Evloev, everybody is scared of him and doesn’t want the smoke. 

Topuria, on the other hand, recently talked about moving up and fighting in the lightweight division due to weight-cutting issues. However, he has confirmed that he won’t be vacating the belt and will defend against the top contender. As a fighter, Topuria’s confidence is at an all-time high now. 

Did Ilia Topuria deserve the 2024 Fighter of the Year at the World MMA awards over Alex Pereira?

Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira both had phenomenal 2024 campaigns, showcasing their dominance in comparatively different ways. Topuria displayed unmatched technical precision, remaining undefeated and securing pivotal wins that cemented his status as a top featherweight contender. Pereira, meanwhile, made waves with his explosive striking and remarkable adaptability, achieving success across two weight classes. 

Ilia Topuria
Ilia Topuria (via X)

Topuria’s well-rounded game and conviction gave him knockout wins over top fighters such as Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. On the other hand, Pereira defended his belt thrice and entertained the fight fans. Although Pereira pipped Topuria to win the Fighter of the Year at the 2024 World MMA awards, Henry Cejudo shared his pick:

I gotta go with Ilia Topuria because it’s quality versus quantity. Even though Alex is a soldier, he went up and took fights but when it comes to competition on who you beat and how you did it, you gotta go with Ilia Topuria. 

Henry Cejudo via Pound 4 Pound Podcast
YouTube video

As Daniel Cormier previously mentioned, what Topuria achieved is similar to getting victories over him and Jon Jones in the same year.