A Russian UFC challenger plans to chase featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, even if he moves up to lightweight. Movsar Evloev, who has a nine-fight victory run in the UFC, is frustrated by the uncertainty in the featherweight division. Topuria has hinted at a possible transfer to 155 pounds while holding his title. Topuria has hinted at a switch to lightweight. But is committed to his featherweight belt.
A potential rematch with previous champion Alexander Volkanovski. Evloev feels certain that Ilia Topuria will defend his title shortly. Merab Dvalishvili recently discussed Ilia Topuria’s climb to dominance in the featherweight class. Topuria won the title by defeating Alexander Volkanovski and defending it against Max Holloway in 2024, garnering international praise for overcoming two legends in one year. However, whether he stays at 145 pounds or moves up.
He will struggle to throw away from Movsar Evloev, who is determined to fight him inside the cage. The Russian, who has just come off a close and somewhat controversial win against Aljamain Sterling, is willing to do everything it takes to secure the confrontation he so much desires. Earlier this week, the UFC featherweight champion intimated that his stint at 145 pounds may come to an end.
Mind Games Begin With Russian Fighter
In an interview with MMA Fighting, he said, “Ilia has started talking that he’s moving up. I don’t know what’s going on. But for me, it doesn’t matter who my next opponent will be. If the champion moves up, he will leave the title, I will get the title, and then I will follow him. lightweight is not too far for me.”
The fighter then added: “Even if he moves up, I will take the belt first, because this is my first goal, and then I will go after him, even if he goes to middleweight. He is not a big guy. I don’t need to cut weight to beat this guy. I need his head on my list. He will defend his belt soon, I don’t know when but we’ll see.”
