Deja vu?
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight title picture is sort of in disarray. Alexander Volkanovski reclaimed the belt by defeatingDiego Lopes at UFC 314, cementing his status as a two-time champion (watch highlights). Now, he’s itching to defend his title as soon as he’s cleared to fight.
But who’s next in line?
Volkanovski has expressed interest in facing an undefeated Russian contender like Movsar Evloev, but there’s a hitch. According to Evloev, the UFC is deliberately keeping him at arm’s length from a title shot.
“As I understand it, the UFC is trying to keep me as far away from anything title-related as possible,” Evloev recently told Kolos on MMA. “I was at UFC 314. After the fight, I had the opportunity to talk to the UFC. They did not want this.”
“When the [event] was over, we were walking out through the hallway. Volk was standing nearby, talking to fans and staff, taking pictures. I wanted to approach him and congratulate him personally,” Evloev added. “But the security team blocked me and ushered me to the opposite side. This shows who the UFC wants in the next title fight.”
“Apparently, in their eyes, I am not worthy of the title yet,” Evloev concluded. “Give me the opportunity to prove I’m worthy. If nine wins in the best organization in the world aren’t enough, I’m ready to fight nine more times. Maybe they need to sign a debutant for me to test myself against.”
If this sounds familiar, it’s because poor Magomed Ankalaev was kept away from the title for as long as possible (it didn’t ultimately work).
Evloev also battles a perception that he’s boring. Yet, anyone who revisits his last two performances will see he defies that label.
Still, his lack of finishes inside the Octagon remains a hurdle in swaying the UFC’s matchmaking decisions.
Oh, UFC CEO Dana White dislikes him, too.
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