This past Wednesday, Aljamain Sterling announced that he is out of his scheduled UFC 307 fight against Movsar Evloev after suffering an injury in training, leaving the undefeated Russian looking for another opponent.
Aljamain Sterling was set to make his second appearance at featherweight on October 5 at UFC 307, taking on Movsar Evloev in a big fight at the top of the 145lb division.
The undefeated Russian currently sits in rank six in the division and another two wins will likely see him finally get a title shot, however, he now needs to find a suitable dance partner on short notice.
Diego Lopes not interested in Movsar Evloev rematch at UFC 307
Continuing to be extremely active on social media, the 30-year-old has called out Diego Lopes for a short-notice rematch but the soaring Brazilian is seemingly not interested.
Lopes’ rise to stardom began with a fight against Evloev as he stepped in on short notice last year to take on the Russian at UFC 288 after Bryce Mitchell withdrew.
Fast forward a year and Lopes now sits at rank three in the division and is knocking on the door of a featherweight title shot, likely only needing one more win before being afforded the opportunity.
“Hey @diegolopesmma, if you wanna defend your honor you have 2.5 weeks to try and get this loss off your record,” Evloev tweeted at Lopes on X.
“You had your chance a few months ago when I called you to fight! Now you sit back and watch as the bus leaves you waiting,” Lopes replied.
Continuing to turn down Evloev’s desperate call for a rematch, Lopes said: “Brother, since my first victory in the UFC, I called you to fight. You could make excuses that you were above me in the rankings.
“Since our fight, I have 5 victories. While you have only fought once. You were lower in the rankings, not to mention that you haven’t finished anyone.”
Impressive featherweight offers to step in to fight Evloev at UFC 307
Although Evloev is likely hopeful that one of the fighters above him in the rankings will offer to step in, a soaring Brazilian contender just outside of the top 15 has offered to step in for what would be the biggest opportunity of his career thus far.
Since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year, Jean Silva has gone on to pick up three extremely impressive victories, with his last coming against the formerly ranked, Drew Dober.
Despite not having a ranking next to his name, the 27-year-old has put his name in the hat to fight Evloev on just two and a half weeks’ notice.
Replying to Silva’s offer to step in, Evloev said: “A lot of people say they want to fight me on the internet, but if you really want to fight me call the UFC and I will fight you, make 145lbs and it’s a go, and I know you are more dangerous than Sterling but if I want to be a champion I have to beat everyone.”