Imagine being on the brink of achieving your lifelong dream, only to have it nearly slip away due to circumstances beyond your control. That’s exactly what happened to Movsar Evloev, a fighter who was once considered the next big challenger for Alexander Volkanovski’s featherweight title. But here’s where it gets even more gripping: Evloev’s journey took a dramatic turn last year when he wasn’t sure he’d ever step into the Octagon again.
In 2025, a staggering nine ranked UFC fighters, including potential title contenders, didn’t compete—a statistic that raises eyebrows. Among them was Evloev, a fighter with an unblemished record and a string of impressive wins. Many believed he had already earned his shot at the belt, especially after a dominant streak of nine consecutive victories. But fate had other plans. A scheduled matchup against Aaron Pico in July 2025 was derailed by an injury, and then a mysterious illness in Thailand left him questioning his future in the sport.
And this is the part most people miss: Evloev’s illness was so severe that it made him doubt whether he’d ever fight again. In a candid interview with Submission Radio, he revealed, ‘I pulled out because of some type of corona [virus] in Thailand. I was ready to fight, but two weeks before, I started feeling so bad. Even simple exercises left me exhausted. My body just wasn’t ready.’ The recovery was grueling, and for months, he wondered if his career was over. ‘Every time I felt okay and went to the gym, the symptoms would return,’ he admitted.
Meanwhile, Alexander Volkanovski’s recent rematch against Diego Lopes sparked controversy among fans. Many argued that Evloev or Lerone Murphy—who stepped in for Pico and delivered a knockout win—were more deserving challengers. But Volkanovski’s decision to face Lopes again left some scratching their heads. Is this a missed opportunity for fighters like Evloev, or a strategic move by the champion?
Now, Evloev has a chance to silence the doubters. His upcoming fight against Lerone Murphy at UFC London on March 21 is more than just a matchup—it’s a statement. With a perfect UFC record and wins over ranked opponents like Aljamain Sterling and Arnold Allen, Evloev believes he’s already proven himself. But Murphy, fresh off a knockout win, is determined to disrupt his path. In response to Murphy’s claims of using pressure to win, Evloev confidently stated, ‘I’ll push this guy until the referee raises my hand.’
But here’s the controversial question: Does Evloev truly need another win to prove he’s title-worthy, or has he already done enough? And if he defeats Murphy, can anyone deny him his shot at Volkanovski’s belt? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
