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‘I’ll Never Fight Him’ – Undefeated UFC Contender Shuts Down Clash With Islam Makhachev

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 2:09 PM ET

When the UFC rankings feature a dominant champion and an undefeated contender rising through the ranks—even in different weight classes—it’s natural for fans to dream up future showdowns. These matchups generate buzz, fuel speculation, and keep divisions exciting. But every so often, one of those hypothetical superfights hits a hard stop—not because of injuries or losses, but because of loyalty. That’s exactly what happened this week when a rising contender revealed that one particular title fight will never happen, no matter how much the fans want it.

Movsar Evloev, 31, an undefeated featherweight contender currently ranked No. 4 in his division, made headlines after opening up about a future fight with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. In an interview on the OverDogs Podcast, Movsar spoke candidly: ‘Me and Islam? Yeah... A fight like this—this guy can kill me. Really. I respect that. I respect it. I respect that. So, what is it that makes him so special? Because he's my only brother. I'm never, never going to fight him.’

Makhachev remains at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings and holds the UFC lightweight belt. Despite competing in different divisions—Evloev at featherweight and Islam at lightweight—the idea of one moving weight classes for a clash has always lingered in fan discussions. Now, those dreams can be put to rest. While many fans believe Makhachev would have the upper hand in a hypothetical matchup, others think Evloev could pose a serious challenge. One fan even commented, 'People are gonna be surprised when they see that Movsar is actually a better wrestler than Islam.'

This isn’t the first time brotherhood has blocked a fight. Similar situations have played out in MMA history, with teammates or countrymen refusing to clash. And in Evloev’s case, it’s not about fear—it’s about respect, roots, and shared values. For now, fans can admire the path each fighter is carving—separately.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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