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 controversial: despite his undefeated record and a string of impressive wins, Evloev’s path to the title has been anything but smooth. And this is the part most people miss—his battle with a mysterious illness in 2025 left him questioning whether he’d ever step into the Octagon again.
Last year, nine ranked UFC fighters, including several title contenders, didn’t compete inside the Octagon. Among them was Evloev, who was being actively pushed by Volkanovski himself as his next challenger. Meanwhile, Volkanovski’s recent rematch against Diego Lopes sparked debate among fans, with many arguing that other fighters, like Evloev, were more deserving of the shot. But here’s the kicker: one of those contenders was sidelined due to serious health issues, while Evloev’s own illness kept him out of action for months.
In a candid interview with Submission Radio, Evloev revealed the toll his illness took on him. ‘I pulled out because of some type of corona [virus] in Thailand,’ he explained. ‘Even doing simple exercises made me feel terrible. I had to withdraw because my body wasn’t ready.’ The recovery was so grueling that Evloev admitted, ‘There were moments I thought I might never come back.’
Now, with a perfect UFC record and wins over ranked opponents like Aljamain Sterling and Arnold Allen, Evloev is finally back in the spotlight. His upcoming fight against Lerone Murphy at UFC London on March 21 is more than just a matchup—it’s a chance to prove, without a doubt, that he’s the rightful next challenger for Volkanovski’s belt. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Evloev has openly dismissed Murphy, stating he sees ‘nothing special’ in him. Meanwhile, Murphy has vowed to use his pressure to dominate. Who’s right? Only time will tell.
This fight isn’t just about rankings; it’s about resilience, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. And this is the part that sparks debate: Does Evloev’s undefeated record and string of ranked wins automatically make him the next in line, or does he need to prove himself against a rising star like Murphy? What do you think? Is Evloev’s path to the title undeniable, or does he still have something to prove? Let us know in the comments below.
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