Movsar Evloev, considered one of the UFC’s last remaining unbeaten featherweights, has made his frustrations public after being denied a title shot yet again. In a recent interview with Kolos MMA, Evloev revealed that not only does he feel ignored by the promotion, but he was also barred by UFC security from congratulating Alexander Volkanovski in person after Volkanovski’s triumphant win at UFC 314. The Russian standout’s candid remarks have reignited debate about meritocracy, matchmaking politics, and what it takes to earn a title shot in today’s UFC.
Evloev’s Unbeaten Streak and the UFC’s Reluctance
Evloev’s record speaks for itself, 19-0 as an expert, with nine straight UFC victories over high-level opposition, including Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, and Diego Lopes. Yet, despite this resume, Evloev stays on the skin looking in because the featherweight title picture continues to evolve.
In his interview, Evloev didn’t mince words about his perception of the UFC’s attitude:
“As I understand it, the UFC is attempting to keep me as far-off from anything title related as possible. … Apparently of their eyes, I’m unfit of the title yet.”
This frustration is compounded by the incontrovertible fact that, with Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria now competing at lightweight, and each Diego Lopes and Yair Rodriguez having already lost to Volkanovski, Evloev looks like the most obvious next challenger. Yet, the promotion has not moved to book him for a title fight.
Blocked at UFC 314: A Telling Moment
Evloev’s sense of exclusion was made literal at UFC 314. After Volkanovski reclaimed the featherweight belt in a hard-fought decision over Diego Lopes, Evloev attempted to congratulate the champion in person. As a substitute, he was intercepted by UFC security and prevented from approaching Volkanovski.
“I desired to go as much as [Volkanovski at UFC 314] and congratulate him, but the safety guys didn’t let me and took me to the other side. This shows who the UFC desires to see in the subsequent title fight.”
This episode, while seemingly minor, has change into symbolic for Evloev and his supporters, a visual sign of the obstacles he faces not only within the cage, but within the boardroom.
The Criticism: Activity and Ending Rate
Evloev’s case for a title shot is robust, but not without caveats. He has only fought six times since 2020, with ten cancellations in his 19 scheduled UFC bouts, 4 of which were withdrawals on his end. Perhaps most notably, all nine of his UFC wins have come by decision, and he has yet to record a finish within the promotion.
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Evloev is well aware of this criticism and has addressed it directly. He recently vowed to change his approach if granted a title shot, promising to give attention to striking slightly than his usual wrestling-heavy game plan:
“I can assure them that I won’t be initiating takedowns if I get a title shot. … I’ll focus solely on striking. Let’s see how that goes.”
🚨BREAKING🚨 Movsar Evloev guarantees no takedowns if he’s given his title shot against Alexander Volkanovksi! 👀 pic.twitter.com/K5GcevtIxE
— OverDogs Podcast (@OverDogsPodcast) April 18, 2025
This willingness to adapt is aimed toward silencing doubters and, perhaps more importantly, at making himself a more attractive option for UFC matchmakers.
Volkanovski’s Perspective and the Featherweight Landscape
Alexander Volkanovski, for his part, has publicly expressed interest in defending his reclaimed title against Evloev. After his win at UFC 314, Volkanovski acknowledged Evloev’s challenge and the promise he’d made to present the Russian contender a shot.
With other top contenders either moving divisions or coming off losses, the featherweight title picture is as open because it has been in years. Evloev’s nine-fight UFC win streak, combined together with his undefeated record, makes him a logical next challenger, if the UFC brass decides to reward merit over marketability.
The ball is now within the UFC’s court. Evloev has made his case each within the cage and within the media, and Volkanovski appears willing to simply accept the challenge. The query stays: will the UFC finally give Evloev his long-awaited title shot, or will the politics of matchmaking proceed to maintain him on the sidelines?
For Evloev, the stakes have never been higher. Each fight, each public statement, and every interaction with the UFC brass now carries added weight. Fans and analysts alike are rallying behind his call for a good shot, believing that his undefeated record and relentless style deserve recognition. Whether the UFC responds stays to be seen, but one thing is definite: Movsar Evloev’s hunger for gold and respect proceed to grow. Because the featherweight division waits for its next chapter, all eyes are on whether Evloev will finally get the chance he’s earned contained in the Octagon.
