Many believed that Movsar Evloev would be the next contender in line to challenge for the featherweight title.
Before Alexander Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes to win the vacant belt at UFC 314, the undefeated Russian was mentioned by both men as the next in line.
It now looks like the UFC has decided to go in a different direction with Evloev sending a message to Volkanovski on social media.
Instead, it seems likely that Yair Rodriguez will face the new champion in a rematch following his bounce back win over Patricio Pitbull which also took place in Miami last month.
The Russian’s manager recently spoke about the current title picture at 145-pounds where he revealed Evloev’s next steps before the fighter himself spoke on the matter.
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Ali Abdelaziz says one more win will finally earn Movsar Evloev his long awaited title shot
In an interview with Submission Radio, Ali Abdelaziz suggested that Movsar Evloev won’t be fighting for the featherweight title in his next outing.
He also stated that this isn’t a concern for the undefeated contender or his team as they look ahead to solidifying his status with one more win.
Abdelaziz has managed several fighters, including Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Belal Muhammad and Magomed Ankalaev, who have all had long roads to the belt, so this isn’t anything new to him.
“Islam Makhachev, I think it took 10 fights before he fought for the title. Khabib is 9. These type of guys, I just begin managing Movsar, and I have a road planned for him to fight for the title and I have the experience with guys like Islam and Khabib and Belal who take the long way to become champion.”
Abdelaziz is confident that Evloev is clearly the rightful top contender but he also understands why the UFC might have chosen a different option.
“There’s no other rightful contender than Movsar, it doesn’t even exist… He has beaten everyone that’s given to him. I think it’s unfair, it’s unjust. But guess what? It’s a business and if he have to fight 10 more guys, he will do it. It’s no problem. It is what it is. I think the fans have to speak up for him because he doesn’t speak up for himself.”
He rounded out his thoughts by saying he believes that one more win, which will take Evloev’s winning streak in the UFC to 10, will be the final push that they need.
“Listen, I will be shocked if he doesn’t get a title shot after one more win.”
What’s next for Movsar Evloev if he isn’t fighting for the title?
With Yair Rodriguez likely being the next title challenger at featherweight, that doesn’t leave Movsar Evloev with a lot of options for potential opponents.
Fortunately, the UFC has been able to put together a matchup that will certainly attract some attention with a highly anticipated debut.
Bloody Elbow sources have indicated that Evloev’s next outing will see him face the recently-signed Bellator prospect Aaron Pico.
The fight is expected to take place as a five-round co-main event on July 26 at the UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi.