Movsar Evloev has never tasted defeat — not in his entire pro career, and certainly not inside the UFC Octagon . At 19-0, with nine consecutive UFC wins, the rising featherweight star believes it’s finally his time. But unlike most contenders chasing Alexander Volkanovski ’s belt, Evloev is taking a different route. Known for his dominant wrestling and decision-heavy resume , the Russian standout is promising fans a shocker: no takedowns, no stalling — just pure striking against one of the most technically gifted fighters in the sport. And he’s not backing down.
Movsar Evloev calls himself the true No. 1 contender in UFC featherweight division
After stacking wins over the likes of former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, and Diego Lopes, Movsar Evloev feels his résumé speaks for itself — and that his time is now. As Yair Rodriguez campaigns for another shot at Volkanovski, Evloev remains unconvinced he deserves it.
“I’m the real number one contender,” he’s made clear on multiple occasions.
But it’s not just his undefeated record that’s raising eyebrows — it’s what he’s willing to do to earn that title shot. Speaking on the Overdogs Podcast, Evloev shocked fans with a bold vow.
“I can promise them that I’m not gonna take down [Volkanovski] if they give me a title shot,” Evloev said. “I’m not gonna go there first. If they try to take me down, okay, I’ll accept this. But I’ll just go straight striking. So, let’s see…”
Critics have long questioned Evloev’s finishing ability, with all nine of his UFC victories coming by decision. Against Sterling, he focused heavily on striking to break that narrative, though Sterling’s grappling approach limited his opportunities.
Still, Evloev is confident his style can crack the Volkanovski code.
“I’ll just push him to the wall,” Evloev said. “So, [I] don’t let him run from me, don’t let him move. Then, he has to [start] exchanging with me. He will tire or I’ll break him. Because I know that I have bigger power, better wrestling, and I can control this guy five rounds or finish on the ground.”
Also Read: Cris Cyborg mercilessly mocks Ronda Rousey’s boxing: “Her shadow won”
Whether the UFC grants him a title shot or lines up a title eliminator first, one thing’s clear: Movsar Evloev is not waiting quietly in the shadows. With a perfect record, elite grappling, and now a striking-heavy promise, he’s knocking on the champion’s door louder than ever. Will Volkanovski answer?
Movsar Evloev calls himself the true No. 1 contender in UFC featherweight division
After stacking wins over the likes of former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, and Diego Lopes, Movsar Evloev feels his résumé speaks for itself — and that his time is now. As Yair Rodriguez campaigns for another shot at Volkanovski, Evloev remains unconvinced he deserves it.
“I’m the real number one contender,” he’s made clear on multiple occasions.
But it’s not just his undefeated record that’s raising eyebrows — it’s what he’s willing to do to earn that title shot. Speaking on the Overdogs Podcast, Evloev shocked fans with a bold vow.
“I can promise them that I’m not gonna take down [Volkanovski] if they give me a title shot,” Evloev said. “I’m not gonna go there first. If they try to take me down, okay, I’ll accept this. But I’ll just go straight striking. So, let’s see…”
Critics have long questioned Evloev’s finishing ability, with all nine of his UFC victories coming by decision. Against Sterling, he focused heavily on striking to break that narrative, though Sterling’s grappling approach limited his opportunities.
Still, Evloev is confident his style can crack the Volkanovski code.
“I’ll just push him to the wall,” Evloev said. “So, [I] don’t let him run from me, don’t let him move. Then, he has to [start] exchanging with me. He will tire or I’ll break him. Because I know that I have bigger power, better wrestling, and I can control this guy five rounds or finish on the ground.”
Also Read: Cris Cyborg mercilessly mocks Ronda Rousey’s boxing: “Her shadow won”
Whether the UFC grants him a title shot or lines up a title eliminator first, one thing’s clear: Movsar Evloev is not waiting quietly in the shadows. With a perfect record, elite grappling, and now a striking-heavy promise, he’s knocking on the champion’s door louder than ever. Will Volkanovski answer?
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