Movsar Evloev would like to know precisely what’s occurring within the featherweight division so he might get some readability on his subsequent struggle.
Following an thrilling back-and-forth battle with Aljamain Sterling in December that resulted in a ninth straight win within the UFC, Evloev began wanting in direction of an unsure future when it got here to his aspiration of turning into champion in 2025. Reigning featherweight king Ilia Topuria has teased a possible transfer to light-weight however insists he’s not giving up his title whereas a proposed rematch in opposition to former champion Alexander Volkanovski nonetheless lingers within the air.
As a lot as he would love a title shot sooner somewhat than later, Evloev isn’t calling for that proper now as a result of greater than something he simply desires the division to get shifting once more.
“To be sincere, it’s not straightforward to even perceive what’s happening,” Evloev informed MMA Preventing. “As a result of Max [Holloway] stated he is not going to come again to featherweight once more. So Ilia’s speaking that he’s shifting up, additionally, particularly after my struggle. I don’t know what’s happening. For me, it doesn’t matter who might be my subsequent opponent.”
Whereas turning into UFC champion is finally what issues most to him, Evloev admits that Topuria is the opponent he desires most whatever the belt.
That’s why he’s ready to chase Topuria from division to division till he lastly will get the prospect to face him within the octagon.
“Even when the champion strikes up, he’ll go away the title. I’ll get the title after which I’ll comply with him,” Evloev stated. “Light-weight just isn’t too far for me.
“Even when he strikes up, I’ll take the belt first as a result of that is my first objective. So then I’ll go after him, even when he goes to middleweight. It doesn’t matter. He’s not an enormous man. I don’t want to chop the burden to beat this man. I want his head on my checklist. Belt is first however I don’t suppose that he’ll go away the title. He’s not going to go to light-weight. He’ll defend his belt quickly, I don’t know when however we’ll see.”
Now make no mistake, Evloev doesn’t see Topuria as a straightforward struggle that received’t current any challenges to him.
In truth, Evloev really has nothing however reward for Topuria as a possible opponent, particularly after he vanquished Volkanovski and Max Holloway by knockout previously yr. Whereas taking away Topuria’s undefeated file can be good, Evloev actually simply desires to show he’s higher and that’s why he’s keen to alter weight courses if that’s what it takes for the struggle to occur.
“He’s a fantastic fighter however he’s not an unbeatable fighter,” Evloev stated about Topuria. “I’m that man who can beat this man. Simply make the struggle between me and him and I’ll show my phrases.
“Possibly yeah it is going to be good for me, for my legacy [to take his undefeated record]. However I’m not interested by this an excessive amount of. I simply must beat this man. Even when he loses at light-weight to somebody, nonetheless after that I’ll wish to beat this man.”
Proper now, Evloev doesn’t count on that he’ll get his grandest want for the Topuria struggle so he’s maintaining his choices open as he begins to discover what comes subsequent.
Ideally he would struggle earlier than March when Ramadan begins so Evloev is simply ready for a name to present him a date and opponent however he’s additionally keen to attend for the appropriate alternative if the UFC has one thing particular in thoughts.
“I’m nonetheless in form. I nonetheless eat good. I nonetheless prepare on a regular basis,” Evloev stated. “I’m not going wherever. I’m simply ready.
“Like I stated, I’ve sufficient persistence. In the event that they suppose I’ll get bored with ready for them and go someplace [else], it’s not going to occur. I’ll wait till they haven’t any selection to present me the title.”
