Movsar Evloev would like to know precisely what’s occurring within the featherweight division so he might get some readability on his subsequent battle.
Following an thrilling back-and-forth battle with Aljamain Sterling in December that resulted in a ninth straight win within the UFC, Evloev began wanting in direction of an unsure future when it got here to his aspiration of turning into champion in 2025. Reigning featherweight king Ilia Topuria has teased a possible transfer to light-weight however insists he’s not giving up his title whereas a proposed rematch in opposition to former champion Alexander Volkanovski nonetheless lingers within the air.
As a lot as he would love a title shot sooner fairly than later, Evloev isn’t calling for that proper now as a result of greater than something he simply needs the division to get shifting once more.
“To be trustworthy, it’s not simple to even perceive what’s happening,” Evloev instructed MMA Preventing. “As a result of Max [Holloway] mentioned he won’t come again to featherweight once more. So Ilia’s speaking that he’s shifting up, additionally, particularly after my battle. I don’t know what’s happening. For me, it doesn’t matter who might be my subsequent opponent.”
Whereas turning into UFC champion is in the end what issues most to him, Evloev admits that Topuria is the opponent he needs most whatever the belt.
That’s why he’s ready to chase Topuria from division to division till he lastly will get the prospect to face him within the octagon.
“Even when the champion strikes up, he’ll depart the title. I’ll get the title after which I’ll comply with him,” Evloev mentioned. “Light-weight shouldn’t be too far for me.
“Even when he strikes up, I’ll take the belt first as a result of that is my first aim. So then I’ll go after him, even when he goes to middleweight. It doesn’t matter. He’s not a giant man. I don’t want to chop the burden to beat this man. I would like his head on my listing. Belt is first however I don’t suppose that he’ll depart the title. He’s not going to go to light-weight. He’ll defend his belt quickly, I don’t know when however we’ll see.”
Now make no mistake, Evloev doesn’t see Topuria as a simple battle that gained’t current any challenges to him.
In truth, Evloev really has nothing however reward for Topuria as a possible opponent, particularly after he vanquished Volkanovski and Max Holloway by knockout previously 12 months. Whereas taking away Topuria’s undefeated file could be good, Evloev actually simply needs to show he’s higher and that’s why he’s prepared to vary weight courses if that’s what it takes for the battle to occur.
“He’s a terrific fighter however he’s not an unbeatable fighter,” Evloev mentioned about Topuria. “I’m that man who can beat this man. Simply make the battle between me and him and I’ll show my phrases.
“Possibly yeah it is going to be good for me, for my legacy [to take his undefeated record]. However I’m not occupied with this an excessive amount of. I simply must beat this man. Even when he loses at light-weight to somebody, nonetheless after that I’ll need to beat this man.”
Proper now, Evloev doesn’t anticipate that he’ll get his grandest want for the Topuria battle so he’s protecting his choices open as he begins to discover what comes subsequent.
Ideally he would battle earlier than March when Ramadan begins so Evloev is simply ready for a name to offer him a date and opponent however he’s additionally prepared to attend for the suitable alternative if the UFC has one thing particular in thoughts.
“I’m nonetheless in form. I nonetheless eat good. I nonetheless prepare on a regular basis,” Evloev mentioned. “I’m not going anyplace. I’m simply ready.
“Like I mentioned, I’ve sufficient endurance. In the event that they suppose I’ll get uninterested in ready for them and go someplace [else], it’s not going to occur. I’ll wait till they haven’t any alternative to offer me the title.”
