After Dana White’s latest remarks, Movsar Evloev may finally see the shimmer of UFC gold at the end of an extremely long tunnel.
Not many fighters have had to jump as many hurdles in the UFC to earn their first crack at a championship as Evloev has.
The Russian has remained perfect in both the UFC and his professional career as a whole, with Evloev’s win over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 last December moving his record to 19-0 and marking his ninth straight victory inside the Octagon.
Despite those credentials, though, Evloev has failed to impress the UFC higher-ups. The lack of finishes and a grappling-heavy style have perhaps contributed to White and the matchmakers controversially keeping the 31-year-old away from the title, in spite of Alexander Volkanovski’s desire to face Evloev.
Finally, however, the unbeaten Russian may get what he’s earned.
Dana White says Movsar Evloev is ‘likely’ next if he beats Aaron Pico
On Wednesday, White took to social media to reveal the card for the upcoming UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on July 26.
Before Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder headline the event, the likes of Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov, Petr Yan, and Bryce Mitchell will compete at Etihad Arena. Much of the card’s intrigue, though, surrounds the five-round co-main event.
As reported by Bloody Elbow in May, Evloev will welcome former Bellator standout Aaron Pico to the promotion. When talk of that bout first arose, many saw it as another instance of the Russian standout being overlooked for the next title shot.
But during his video, White gave a boost to Evloev’s title hopes by suggesting he’ll “likely” be next if he can get the job done against Pico.
“Evloev is undefeated at 19-0 and one of the most intimidating guys at featherweight,” White said. “Pico is a ridiculously violent striker and very high-level grappler.
“Pico has had hype behind him since he was a teenager. … People compare him to the likes of Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier.
“If Movsar can get the victory, he will likely be the next contender for the title against Alexander Volkanovski.”
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Movsar Evloev told Dana White he won’t ‘be denied’ after one more win
While hearing White mention his path to a title fight this year for the first time will likely be nice for Evloev, it seemingly won’t change anything.
Even before the UFC CEO confirmed the bout as part of the stacked UFC Abu Dhabi lineup, the undefeated Russian sent White a message about his claim to a title shot.
In a post on X after he’d revealed his latest title shot snub, Evloev insisted that one more win has to be enough to book him opposite the featherweight champion.
“I told the UFC I will fight anyone they want and InshaaAllah after I win I cannot be denied anymore @danawhite,” Evloev wrote.
With that almost confirmed, Evloev will now have his sights set on spoiling Pico’s debut in the Octagon to secure himself as the first challenger in Volkanovski’s second title reign.