Imagine being on the brink of achieving your lifelong dream, only to have it nearly snatched away by circumstances beyond your control. That’s exactly what happened to Movsar Evloev, a fighter who was once considered the frontrunner to challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title. But here’s where it gets even more gripping: Evloev’s journey took a dramatic turn last year when a mysterious illness left him questioning whether he’d ever step into the Octagon again.
In 2025, the UFC landscape was eerily quiet for nine ranked fighters, including several title contenders, who didn’t compete at all. Among them was Evloev, a man with an unblemished 9-0 UFC record and a string of impressive wins over ranked opponents. Many believed he had already done enough to earn a shot at Volkanovski’s belt. However, fate had other plans. A scheduled bout against Aaron Pico in July 2025 was scrapped due to an injury, and then came the illness that sidelined him for the rest of the year.
In a candid interview with Submission Radio, Evloev revealed the harrowing details of his battle with what he described as a ‘corona-like virus’ in Thailand. ‘I was ready to fight, but two weeks before the bout, I started feeling so bad,’ he explained. ‘Even simple exercises left me exhausted. My body just wasn’t ready.’ The recovery was grueling, and for months, Evloev doubted whether he’d ever return to the sport. ‘There were times I thought, maybe this is it, maybe I’m done,’ he admitted.
Meanwhile, the featherweight division marched on. Lerone Murphy, who replaced Evloev in the Pico fight, knocked out his opponent at UFC 319, thrusting himself into title contention. Volkanovski, undeterred by the controversy surrounding his recent rematch with Diego Lopes, continued to dominate. But the question lingered: where did Evloev fit into this puzzle?
And this is the part most people miss: Despite his flawless record and multiple ranked wins, Evloev has yet to secure a title shot. What more does he need to prove? His resume includes unanimous decisions over the likes of Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, and Diego Lopes, yet the UFC seems hesitant to pull the trigger. Is it his fighting style? His lack of finishes? Or is there something else at play?
Controversial take alert: Some argue that Evloev’s methodical, grind-it-out approach, while effective, lacks the ‘wow’ factor that excites fans and promoters. But does that mean he’s any less deserving? After all, a win is a win, and Evloev has consistently delivered.
Now, Evloev has a golden opportunity to silence the doubters. On March 21, he’ll face Lerone Murphy in the main event of UFC London, a fight that could finally cement his place as Volkanovski’s next challenger. When asked about Murphy’s plan to pressure him, Evloev responded with characteristic confidence: ‘Very interesting to see how he’ll do that against me. My plan is the same—I’ll push this guy until the referee raises my hand.’
As the featherweight division holds its breath, one question remains: Will Movsar Evloev’s perseverance pay off, or will he be left on the outside looking in? What do you think? Does Evloev deserve the title shot, or is there someone more deserving? Let us know in the comments below!
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