Diego Lopes Dismisses Aljamain Sterling, Movsar Evloev Fights For UFC 306 At The Sphere: ‘Makes No Sense’

UFC featherweight contender Diego Lopes will seemingly take nothing but a top five opponent for his planned appearance at the Sphere this fall — excluding Movsar Evloev. Lopes is a few weeks on from his latest success on mixed martial arts’ stage. The Mexico-based Brazilian had his hand raised in the UFC 303 co-main event, […]

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UFC featherweight contender Diego Lopes will seemingly take nothing but a top five opponent for his planned appearance at the Sphere this fall — excluding Movsar Evloev.

Lopes is a few weeks on from his latest success on mixed martial arts’ stage. The Mexico-based Brazilian had his hand raised in the UFC 303 co-main event, ending what had been a tumultuous International Fight Week for him with a fourth straight win.

After original opponent Brian Ortega withdrew on the day having already forced a change in weight on the Friday, Lopes was left sharing the Octagon with Dan Ige on just hours’ notice.

The 29-year-old outpointed “50K” and was rewarded with a boost to #12 in the featherweight rankings. Next up, Lopes is looking to break into the top 10, but he won’t be wilfully accepting anyone above him in the pecking order…

Lopes Not Interested In First-Time Sterling Fight Or Evloev Rematch

During a recent interview with Canal Encarada, Lopes looked back on his victory on June 29 and addressed what he hopes will come on the heels of it.

In the aftermath of UFC 303, Lopes called for a spot on the upcoming Noche UFC card at the Sphere on September 14. He’s since been called out for that date by two top 10 contenders in former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and ex-opponent Movsar Evloev.

But having been scheduled to do battle with higher-ranked featherweight in Brian Ortega, Lopes has little interest squaring off against Sterling or Evleov, and that’s in spite of the Russian sitting inside the top five.

“It doesn’t make sense now,” Lopes said when asked about possibly facing Sterling next (h/t MMA Fighting). “We were going to fight the number three in the world, then we fought the number 13 and went up two positions. The UFC has basically guaranteed me a fight with a top-five (opponent) now, so Aljamain Sterling makes no sense, and neither does a rematch with Movsar.

“They know I’m in a good spot right now, They know I was going to fight the number three in the world and I’m kicking down the door for a title fight, so they want the buzz for themselves,” Lopes continued. “It makes no sense for them to call me out since they’re ranked higher than me. It makes no sense, but they know I’m generating a lot (of buzz) with fans and the UFC.”

Lopes has instead called for a rearranged bout against Ortega or a Sphere meeting with ex-featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski.

Sterling, meanwhile, acknowledged the Brazilian’s stance and readjusted his sights to Evloev, reiterating his willingness to face the unbeaten Russian at a September event.

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Bryce Mitchell Vs. Movsar Evloev Set For November 5th

A matchup between surging UFC featherweight contenders Bryce Mitchell and Movsar Evloev has been booked for November 5th. News of the Mitchell/Evloev booking was first reported by Fight Bananas. Mitchell returns to the Octagon following a unanimous dec…

A matchup between surging UFC featherweight contenders Bryce Mitchell and Movsar Evloev has been booked for November 5th. News of the Mitchell/Evloev booking was first reported by Fight Bananas. Mitchell returns to the Octagon following a unanimous decision win over Edson Barboza at UFC 272. He has won six fights in a row and is…

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Movsar Evloev Urgently Calls Out Bryce Mitchell For Featherweight Clash

Movsar Evloev has called out Bryce Mitchell for what would be an epic featherweight clash. Evloev asked fans recently who they want to see him fight next, and it looks like he’s set his sights on fellow top-ranked featherweight Mitchell. Taking to Twitter, Evloev responded to a Tweet from Mitchell asking to fight anyone ranked…

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Movsar Evloev has called out Bryce Mitchell for what would be an epic featherweight clash.

Evloev asked fans recently who they want to see him fight next, and it looks like he’s set his sights on fellow top-ranked featherweight Mitchell. Taking to Twitter, Evloev responded to a Tweet from Mitchell asking to fight anyone ranked above him in October.

Mitchell is currently the No. 9 ranked featherweight in the UFC. However, Evloev is ranked No. 10 right below him. Despite this, Evloev called Mitchell out for the fight, pointing out that, while he may not be ranked above him, nobody above him is undefeated like he is.

“i am right next to you. Nobody above you is undefeated. Lets go!”

Evloev has been competing in the UFC since 2019 and is undefeated in his mixed martial arts (MMA) career thus far. Holding a record of 16-0, Evloev has picked up wins against the likes of Nik Lentz and Dan Ige under the UFC banner.

As for Mitchell, the 27-year-old is also undefeated in MMA competition, and is one of the fastest rising stars in the weight class. Since joining the UFC in 2018, Mitchell owns victories over names such as Charles Rosa, Andre Fili, and Edson Barboza.

A battle of the two young undefeated prospects could certainly be on the UFC’s radar next.

What do you think about a potential fight between Movsar Evloev and Bryce Mitchell? Who are you picking? Sound off in the comments below!

Continue Reading Movsar Evloev Urgently Calls Out Bryce Mitchell For Featherweight Clash at MMA News.

Evloev Asks Fans: Which Top-10 Featherweight Should I Fight Next?

Rising UFC featherweight Movsar Evloev is looking to gage popular opinion when choosing his next opponent inside the Octagon. At UFC Vegas 56 this past weekend, Evloev took a sizable step towards the upper echelon at 145 pounds by dominating the always-tough Dan Ige in their co-main event contest. With the win, which came via…

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Rising UFC featherweight Movsar Evloev is looking to gage popular opinion when choosing his next opponent inside the Octagon.

At UFC Vegas 56 this past weekend, Evloev took a sizable step towards the upper echelon at 145 pounds by dominating the always-tough Dan Ige in their co-main event contest. With the win, which came via unanimous decision, the Russian extended his unblemished professional record to 16-0.

Given that “50K” entered the fight at #10 in the rankings, it’s no surprise to see Evloev now occupying that spot. And as he looks above him towards the current crop of title contenders, the 28-year-old is pondering who can be the victim to help him join them.

“Who from Top 10 should I fight next?

As you’d expect, fans flocked to the comments of Evloev’s query, playing matchmaker with their own selections of elite featherweight names for the Russian to share the cage with for his sixth UFC outing.

Fans Pitch Chikadze, Mitchell, Allen & More For Evloev

There are a number of bouts already booked at the top of the division.

While champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his belt against previous opponent Max Holloway, top-five contenders Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez are slated to collide in a July main event. Closest to Evloev, Calvin Kattar and Josh Emmett are scheduled to headline the UFC’s return to Austin next weekend.

Nevertheless, there are still a number of top-10 names looking for a dancing partner, and fans found a host of 145lbers for Evloev to throw down with next.

One Twitter user suggested a matchup between the former M-1 Global champion and Giga Chikadze. The Georgian had a fast rise up the divisional ladder owing to his perfect promotional record. But that slate was tarnished earlier this year in a main event against Kattar.

Given his recent setback, fighting down the rankings may be in order for the #8-ranked contender.

Another fan highlighted two popular choices, the first being Arnold Allen. Like Evloev, the Englishman is yet to be beaten inside the Octagon, and most recently got the better of UFC mainstay Dan Hooker in the UFC London co-main event. But given that result, and his #6 placement in the division, “Almighty” may have his sights set above Evloev.

The most common name to pop up in the comments was that of Bryce Mitchell. While pubic comments outside the cage may be drawing controversy, his talent inside it is undeniable, as he showed last time out by dominating Edson Barboza at UFC 272. Although “Thug Nasty” will also likely be targeting bigger names, he’s ranked just one spot above Evloev at #9.

“The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung also received a mention. The veteran was the most recent challenger to Volkanovski’s throne, losing via fourth-round TKO at UFC 273. Despite appearing to consider retirement, TKZ has committed himself to another appearance, which he’ll perhaps look down the rankings for.

The final notable top-10 suggestion came in the form of a fight result, with a few fans suggesting that Evloev should await the outcome of Kattar and Emmett’s upcoming headliner, with the consensus being that the Russian should target the victor.

Who do you think Movsar Evloev should share the Octagon with next?

Continue Reading Evloev Asks Fans: Which Top-10 Featherweight Should I Fight Next? at MMA News.

Ilia Topuria Takes Aim At Movsar Evloev For ‘Shameful’ UFC Vegas 56 Win

UFC up-and-comer Ilia Topuria wasn’t impressed by Movsar Evloev’s performance at UFC Vegas 56. Evloev dismantled Dan Ige via a unanimous decision in the UFC Vegas 56 co-main event. He used his grappling combined with his opportunistic striking to control the fight from start to finish. Evloev and Topuria have gone at it on social…

Continue Reading Ilia Topuria Takes Aim At Movsar Evloev For ‘Shameful’ UFC Vegas 56 Win at MMA News.

UFC up-and-comer Ilia Topuria wasn’t impressed by Movsar Evloev’s performance at UFC Vegas 56.

Evloev dismantled Dan Ige via a unanimous decision in the UFC Vegas 56 co-main event. He used his grappling combined with his opportunistic striking to control the fight from start to finish.

Evloev and Topuria have gone at it on social media for months, stemming from when their pre-scheduled fight at UFC 270 was canceled due to an Evloev withdrawal. Ever since then, Topuria has been on the hunt and aimed at Evloev for allegedly ducking him.

Most UFC fans expected Evloev to call out Topuria in his post-fight interview, but he instead called for a fight with Arnold Allen. This prompted a heated reply on social media from Topuria.

“[Movsar Evloev] You fight shamefully!” Topuria tweeted following the fight. “Another decision without any attempt to finish it. On top of that you don’t know how to speak. You don’t have the balls to call me out! Now everyone can really see how you run away! Shamefully.”

Topuria reportedly has a fight lined up with Edson Barboza for a to-be-determined date. The promotion hasn’t confirmed the booking, but it is allegedly in the works.

Just last month, the two featherweights went at it on social media and laid the groundwork for a potential fight after their earlier failed booking. Evloev said that Topuria would need to crack the top 10 to deserve a fight with him.

Both fighters seem to have different targets for their next fights, but a featherweight grudge match between Evloev and Topuria could be on the horizon.

Did you want Movsar Evloev to call out Ilia Topuria following UFC Vegas 56?

Continue Reading Ilia Topuria Takes Aim At Movsar Evloev For ‘Shameful’ UFC Vegas 56 Win at MMA News.

Ilia Topuria Rips Into Movsar Evloev For Fighting “Shamefully” At UFC Vegas 56: “Movsar And Ige Both Suck”

Ilia Topuria, Movsar Evloev, Dan IgeIlia Topuria was not impressed by Movsar Evloev’s impressive showing at UFC Vegas 56. This past Saturday, Movsar Evloev dominated Dan Ige to grab a unanimous decision win in UFC Vegas 56’s co-main event. Evloev landed about 100 more strikes than Ige overall and the damage on the Hawaiian’s face was evident. Ige sat at […]

Ilia Topuria, Movsar Evloev, Dan Ige

Ilia Topuria was not impressed by Movsar Evloev’s impressive showing at UFC Vegas 56.

This past Saturday, Movsar Evloev dominated Dan Ige to grab a unanimous decision win in UFC Vegas 56’s co-main event. Evloev landed about 100 more strikes than Ige overall and the damage on the Hawaiian’s face was evident. Ige sat at the tenth spot on the rankings going into the bout, three above his victor.

Ilia Topuria fires shots at Movsar Evloev

Evloev called out the sixth-ranked contender at featherweight, Arnold Allen, following arguably the biggest fight of his professional career. The 28-year-old Russian offered to take on the Englishman in his home country at the upcoming UFC London event.

Ilia Topuria, who recently broke into the UFC rankings, was far from pleased with Evloev’s performance on the night and the subsequent callout of Allen. ‘El Matador’ shared his feelings on Twitter saying that Evloev fought shamefully and was scared to call him out.

Topuria’s first tweet took aim at both Evloev and Ige.

“Movsar and Ige both suck. I hope to see something special that could motivate me to fight the winner. #UFCVegas56

Topuria alleged that Evloev doesn’t “have the balls to call” him out.

@MovsarUFC You fight shamefully! Another decision without any attempt to finish it. On top of that you don’t know how to speak. You don’t have the balls to call me out! Now everyone can really see how you run away! shamefully”

Ilia Topuria and Evloev were matched up in the past

Ilia Topuria and Movsar Evloev are currently two of the most highly touted prospects in the UFC featherweight division and were slated to face each other on January 22 at UFC 270. However, Evloev was forced to withdraw from the bout after testing positive for COVID-19. The fight was canceled and Topuria was pulled from the card.

Based on his tweets, it seems that Topuria would like to get his scrapped bout with Evloev re-booked. Evloev may not find the fellow undefeated Topuria as a suitable matchup for him in terms of rankings. They are both undefeated but Topuria is right on the periphery at number 15 on the list.

“I’m ready for next week. Just give me a good name,” Evloev said in his post-fight press conference. “I’m tired of fighting with no-names, and I deserve good names. And I’m the next champion. Just give me good names. I deserve this.”

“One more thing, I want to say to my division: I’m the next champion,” Evloev said.