Top contender Movsar Evloev blasts champion Ilia Topuria for not defending belt despite no apparent injuries suffered at UFC 298

Movsar Evloev pokes fun at Ilia Topuria for doing everything except defending his featherweight title.

Top contender Movsar Evloev blasts champion Ilia Topuria for not defending belt despite no apparent injuries suffered at UFC 298

Movsar Evloev makes fun of champion Ilia Topuria (via Imago)

Ilia Topuria seems to relish his reign as the reigning UFC featherweight champion, a title he acquired after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. Nonetheless, criticisms have arisen from his rivals, notably Movsar Evloev, who has claimed that Topuria is intentionally dodging title defenses, stirring controversy within the MMA community.

Recently, Movsar Evloev posted on X a meme of Ilia Topuria around the world with his featherweight title. The fighter mentioned that with the champion avoiding title defense, he can go and beat two more top contenders in the meantime. In the caption, the fighter wrote:

While champ is on the world tour to show his belt to everybody instead of defending it. I can fight twice and bash 2 other title contenders
Movsar Evloev via X

Topuria has remained busy with his schedule and was observed in various top sporting events. ‘El Matador’ first appeared in a La Liga football game and took the honorary kickoff between Real Madrid and Sevilla. Similarly, the fighter was also seen at the Inter Miami football match where he met and took pictures with Lionel Messi. 

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As the champion has had an incredible time, the featherweight division has experienced significant shifts. Evloev is currently ranked #5 and is eager to climb the ladder for a title shot. Notably, fighters like Brian Ortega have also shown interest in facing top contenders like Aljamain Sterling. However, for Evloev to strengthen his case for a title shot, he’ll need to take on opponents ranked above him.

Why doesn’t Ilia Topuria think of Movsar Evloev as a deserving title contender?

It’s not the first time Evloev has mocked or called out Topuria for a title shot. The Russian already did that right after Topuria won his belt in February. However, when asked about it, the Spaniard was quick to respond.

Ilia Topuria questions Movsar Evloev’s credentials to fight for the title
Ilia Topuria questions Movsar Evloev’s credentials to fight for the title (via Forbes)

Ilia Topuria mentioned that Evloev doesn’t have a remarkable resume and has never finished any of his opponents in the UFC. ;

Movsar’s a good fight for me, I’d love to fight him. But, the guy has eight fights in the UFC. Eight decisions. Zero submissions, zero knockouts…man, come on. He needs to finish someone. Maybe they can find someone from his hometown, maybe he can fight with his Dad or something and finish him.
Ilia Topuria via UFC press conference

Right now, Topuria couldn’t care less about Evloev as he is laser-focused toward Max Holloway for a title defense. The legendary featherweight recently made quite a noise with his UFC 300 performance. It was followed by an immediate call out for Topuria. The champion has accepted the challenge. It will be interesting to see when the UFC decides to make the match-up.

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