Oh no!
No. 2-ranked (and disliked) Featherweight contender, Movsar Evloev, has withdrawn from UFC Abu Dhabi, which takes place next weekend (Sat., July 26, 2025) on “Fight Island,” because of an “injury or health condition” sustained while training in Thailand, according to Red Corner MMA.
Evloev was scheduled to welcome former Bellator MMA standout, Aaron Pico,in the five-round co-main event.
The current plan is to rebook the pivotal 145-pound showdown for UFC 319 in Chicago, Ill., next month; however, nothing is confirmed at this time.
For what it’s worth, this marks the eleventh canceled UFC bout involving Evloev, although he has personally withdrawn from only four.
This is, without a doubt, a crushing blow to Evloev, who, according to UFC CEO, Dana White, was “likely” next in line to face division champion, Alexander Volkanovski, with a win.
“The Great” actually requested the bout after reclaiming his crown earlier this year.
Nevertheless, the undefeated Russian (19-0) has been sidelined since his unanimous decision victory over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 following a big win over Arnold Allen back in Jan. 2024.
Pico (13-4), meanwhile, is among UFC’s most high-profile signings in recent years, carrying significant hype since transitioning from boxing to mixed martial arts (MMA).
To checkout the latest UFC Abu Dhabi fight card and ABC lineup click here.
