Undefeated Fighter Sends Clear Message to Alexander Volkanovski After UFC Denies Title Shot

It looked like a perfect storm was forming in the UFC featherweight division. With Alexander Volkanovski recently recapturing his title in dominant fashion, the door seemed open for a long-awaited clash with an undefeated contender who had been steadily rising through the ranks. Fans began buzzing, and even the fighters themselves hinted at wanting the bout. But as UFC matchmaking often goes, the outcome wasn’t what many hoped for—at least not yet.

Movsar Evloev, the 31-year-old undefeated Russian contender, has emerged as one of the most consistent and avoided names in the division. Currently unbeaten in his professional career and climbing the UFC rankings, Evloev had hoped to secure a title shot this year. A matchup with Volkanovski felt like a logical next step. Both men expressed mutual interest in making it happen, but UFC president Dana White and the promotion chose a different path. In a social media post, Evloev confirmed he’ll be fighting this July in Abu Dhabi:

"If you are a UFC fighter and believe you are the best in the world then you have to fight every fight they throw at you. No risk, no reward. See you guys in July, it’s ON. #AbuDhabi."