'Next champ' Movsar Evloev wants opponents with 'good names' after latest victory

Movsar Evloev was in complete control throughout his unanimous-decision triumph over Dan Ige in the  UFC Fight Night 207 co-main event, and he believes he made a statement with his performance.

“I think this performance today tells a lot about me,” Evloev said at the post-fight press conference. I’m a real, top fighter and next champ. MMA fans like this with a lot of blood and a lot of punching. It’s good when you finish early, but sometimes it’s good when you fight very hard for three rounds.”

Evloev battered Ige for three rounds while blending his striking and grappling to perfection. He even rattled his opponent with a flying knee in Round 1, but a finish never arrived despite Evloev’s best efforts. Ige has never been stopped in 21 professional appearances.

“I wanted an early finish, but everybody knows about my opponent,” Evloev said. “He’s a tough guy and he showed very good fight all three rounds. A lot of blood, a lot of good punching, and good wrestling too.”

Evloev has a sparkling 16-0 professional record that includes five consecutive triumphs at 145 pounds. He called out British featherweight contender Arnold Allen in his post-fight interview and believes facing an opponent of that caliber would propel him into title contention. At the very least, Evloev said he’s done facing foes with little name value.

“Just give me a good name,” he said. “I’m tired of fighting with no-names, and I deserve good names. I’m next champ. Just give me good names so I deserve this.”