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Undefeated UFC Featherweight Denied Championship Fight

Originally posted on MMA Sucka | By Hank Strandberg | Last updated May 25, 2025 1:31 PM ET

UFC featherweight contender Movsar Evloev will have to wait a little bit longer for his rightful title shot.

Movsar Evloev’s Championship Aspirations Still on Pause

Recording the biggest win of his career last December at UFC 310, Movsar Evloev triumphed over former bantamweight apex Aljamain Sterling. In what played out as a masterclass in grappling from both men, it was the Russian who managed to come out on top with the victory by unanimous decision. Although the bout was bafflingly slotted onto the preliminary portion of the show, Movsar Evloev proved that he was more than ready for a top-billed position at a future event.

Movsar Evloev Instead Fighting Aaron Pico

Undefeated at 19-0, the American Top Team product has cemented his place as one of the best featherweight competitors on the planet. Having trounced a previous UFC belt-holder, many believed that Movsar Evloev is due for an opportunity to fight for the 145-lb strap. That was until he recently posted on X that he will be fighting in July, with some pundits indicating he will clash with once Bellator staple Aaron Pico.

If you are a UFC fighter and believe you are the best in the world then you have fight every fight they throw at you, no risk no reward.

See you guys in July, it’s ON #AbuDhabi

— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) May 22, 2025

The indication that Movsar Evloev will welcome Pico to the promotion has brought about a level of confusion from the mixed martial arts community, as many believe the Russian featherweight has done enough to warrant a chance to contend for the championship. Even the current 145-lb gold standard, Alexander Volkanovski, has campaigned for a scrap with the unblemished contender. Although the throne continues to stay out of his reach, Evloev took to X once more yesterday to make his case for a championship main event should he win his upcoming match this summer.

I told the UFC I will fight anyone they want and InshaaAllah after I win I cannot be denied anymore @danawhite

— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) May 23, 2025

Pico Wants to Make Statement in UFC Debut vs. Movsar Evloev

A homegrown product of the now defunct Bellator organization, Pico has spent the majority of his adult life as a high-level mixed martial artist. Skipping the amateur ranks entirely, he stepped into his first professional fight at just 20-years old, losing by submission in round one.

Learning from the mistakes in his freshman outing to the Bellator cage, Pico proceeded to blossom into a fully-fledged competitor, amassing a solid 13-4 record with seven first round stoppages. Standing as one of the brightest prospects in the featherweight division, the California standout has the chance to propel himself into the utmost elite of the UFC by toppling the perfect Evloev.