The undefeated record of 19-0 would typically catapult any fighter into the spotlight, but for Movsar Evloev, it’s a different story. As he watches Diego Lopes, an opponent he previously defeated, prepare to face Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant featherweight title, the Russian fighter finds himself on the receiving end of criticism. The title, left open by Ilia Topuria’s decision, has sparked a flurry of reactions, with some questioning Evloev’s inactivity despite his unblemished record.
Jean Silva, fresh from his latest win, didn’t mince words when he said, “Brother, you talk a lot, but where are your fights? While you’re sitting idle, a guy you’ve already beaten is on the verge of fighting for the title. It’s easy to remain undefeated without taking action. You’re just another talker who doesn’t back it up.” Silva’s comments came after his impressive knockout victory, which earned him a spot at UFC 314 in Miami next month. His words serve as a stark reminder that, in the world of martial arts, it’s not just about winning, but also about staying active and relevant.
In this no-man’s land where Evloev finds himself, awaiting a potential future bout, he’s been fielding questions from the media. Recently, in an interview with ‘Home of Fight’, he spoke about Topuria, a topic he often addresses when facing the press. As Evloev navigates this uncertain landscape, his focus remains fixed on proving himself as the best featherweight fighter possible.
Evloev has made it clear that he’s eager to pursue Topuria, even if the title isn’t on the line, stating that it’s “not personal” and that his goal is to demonstrate his superiority in the featherweight division. Following his impressive performance against Sterling in December, where he once again failed to finish the fight, Evloev’s intentions are clear: he wants to face Topuria and prove his worth.
The potential showdown between Evloev and Topuria has always been a tantalizing prospect, given the upward trajectory of both fighters. However, despite the eagerness of ‘Team Khabib’ to see the two face off, with Makhachev saying, “Ilia Topuria needs to focus on his own division. Evloev is a great opponent,” the fight has yet to materialize. Topuria’s recent decision to move up to lightweight, coupled with Volkanovski’s suggestion that Evloev could be the next title challenger, has added a new layer of complexity to the situation.
As the landscape of the featherweight division continues to evolve, Evloev has taken the opportunity to extend an olive branch between his native Ingushetia and neighboring Georgia, saying, “I don’t know why that guy talks about Daguestán against Georgia; it’s not good for the fans. Georgians speaking ill of Daguestán and Daguestanis speaking ill of Georgia isn’t good. Georgia is a great country.” In a world where rivalries often transcend sport, Evloev’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of respect and camaraderie among athletes and nations alike.
