Movsar Evloev already conceded that he wasn’t getting a title shot after revealing that he had accepted a battle at UFC Abu Dhabi however even another win doesn’t essentially assure him receiving a chance to grow to be champion.
On Wednesday, the UFC formally introduced Evloev going through ex-Bellator fighter Aaron Pico in a five-round co-main occasion headed to Abu Dhabi in July. Whereas he overrated the cardboard and the significance surrounding this specific battle, UFC CEO Dana White stopped wanting flat out declaring that one other win would assure Evloev a title shot.
“If Movsar can get the victory, he’ll seemingly be the following contender for the title in opposition to Alexander Volkanovski,” White stated. “Count on this battle to be an absolute battle.”
Now this might simply be White studying from his previous expertise when he broadcasts sure fights figuring out a brand new No. 1 contender after which being criticized when that doesn’t really come to fruition.
That stated, Evloev has quietly gained numerous fan assist for his standing as essentially the most rightful challenger for the featherweight title after beginning his UFC profession with an ideal 9-0 file together with wins over Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen and Diego Lopes.
Sadly, his resume nonetheless wasn’t ok to drag the set off on a title battle in opposition to reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who publicly campaigned for Evloev to get the following shot on the belt.
All indicators have lately pointed in the direction of Yair Rodriguez doubtlessly getting one other crack on the belt regardless of only a 1-2 file in his previous three fights, which features a one-sided shellacking delivered by Volkanovski again in 2023.
The UFC hasn’t made any official bulletins concerning Volkanovski’s subsequent opponent however with Evloev now booked for a five-round battle in July, it appears an increasing number of seemingly Rodriguez would possibly really get that chance.
As for Evloev, he’ll simply must hope he can vanquish Pico in July after which wait and see if his quantity will get pulled to ultimately battle for a UFC title within the close to future.
