Team Alexander Volkanovski vows to not ‘duck’ deserved contender Movsar Evloev

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski's coach believes Movsar Evloev is the best candidate for the title shot.

Team Alexander Volkanovski vows to not ‘duck’ deserved contender Movsar Evloev

Alexander Volkanovski might fight Movsar Evloev next (via X/Imago)

Alexander Volkanovski reclaimed the UFC featherweight gold by defeating Diego Lopes, shocking fans and critics who had counted him out. With a dominant win, he silenced doubts, proving he’s still elite and belongs at the top. Now, anticipation builds as potential challengers line up, eager to test themselves against the resurgent and legendary champion.

The featherweight division is buzzing with young talent hungry to dethrone veterans and shake up the established championship order. Though Lopes couldn’t succeed at UFC 314, Movsar Evloev believes he’s the man to get the job done. When asked about this fight, Volkanovski’s coach, Joe Lopez, gave a rather positive update. 

Realistically, he does deserve it but there was no talk of him at all. It’s sort of a bit sad. I guess he’s not very exciting and he doesn’t bring much to the table but he’s unbeaten and he’s on a run. If anyone deserves a shot, it’s him. You just never know how what the powers above us will tell us. 

Joe Lopez via Submission Radio 
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Evloev has maintained an impressive undefeated run in the UFC, showcasing elite grappling, control, and high fight IQ consistently. His dominance stems from relentless pressure, seamless transitions, and the ability to neutralize even the most dangerous strikers in the division. With each victory, Evloev solidifies his status as a top contender and a real threat to the featherweight throne.

Movsar’s original plan was to fight Ilia Topuria and capture the featherweight title by defeating the undefeated Spanish-Georgian sensation. He publicly criticized Volkanovski, claiming the veteran no longer deserved a title shot due to age and recent setbacks. But at UFC 314, Volkanovski silenced critics with a masterclass performance and declared himself ready for any worthy challenger.

Alexander Volkanovski is ready to take on Movsar Evloev 

Going into UFC 314, Alexander Volkanovski was the underdog and was in a do-or-die situation. However, he showcased composure and precision, picking apart Diego Lopes with calculated strikes and relentless pressure throughout five intense rounds. The Brazilian attempted several explosive flurries, but Volkanovski’s experience and cardio nullified every potential danger effectively.

Alexander Volkanovski wants to beat Movsar Evloev
Alexander Volkanovski wants to beat Movsar Evloev (via X)

By the final bell, the judges awarded Volkanovski a unanimous decision victory, reaffirming his dominance atop the featherweight division once again. After the fight, the ‘Great’ was asked about his future title defenses. While responding, Volk shared his intentions to fight Movsar Evloev next.

You got guys like Movsar who’s undefeated. I would love to take that zero. We gotta see what the UFC says. I hv seen him trying to get other fights. I don’t know the situation but I would see how things are. 

Alexander Volkanovski via UFC 314 post-fight presser
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Volkanovski also talked about potentially fighting Yair Rodriguez, who got an impressive victory against Patricio Pitbull at UFC 314. However, fans are more excited about him fighting the undefeated Russian next. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see whether Evloev finally gets what he has been searching for all this time.

Movsar Evloev accuses top featherweights of ducking 

Movsar Evloev is incredibly dangerous due to his suffocating wrestling and ability to neutralize opponents without taking damage. His undefeated record reflects not just talent but elite discipline and strategy that frustrates and breaks even the most confident fighters mentally. Many fighters avoid him because his style offers low reward and high risk, making him a nightmare matchup with little upside.

Movsar Evloev believes fighters are scared of him
Movsar Evloev believes fighters are scared of him (via X)

Like many other Russian and Dagestani fighters such as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, Evloev has to struggle for opponents. In an interview, the fighter slammed others, such as Aljamain Sterling, Alexander Volkanovski, and Ilia Topuria, for ducking him. 

I was calling anyone in my division, nobody respond to me. They do not answer because they don’t need that smoke. 

Movsar Evloev via TMZ
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Evloev’s dominance without flash leaves contenders uninterested, fearing exposure and a tough grind without major promotional gain afterward. However, the Russian fighter is confident about racking up wins and becoming unavoidable for UFC.

Related: Is Alexander Volkanovski a chef? Learn about UFC featherweight champ’s impressive cooking skills