Denied! UFC blocks Alexander Volkanovski’s request to fight Movsar Evolev, undefeated contender thanks Featherweight champ anyway

Denied! (again)

Unfortunately, the No. 4-ranked, undefeated Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight contender Movsar Evloev will not face champion Alexander Volkanovski for the 145-pound title in his next bout, despite Volkanovski’s efforts to challenge the Russian’s perfect record.

Evloev shared the disappointing update via social media today (Thurs., May 22, 2025).

“If you are a UFC fighter and believe you are the best in the world, then you have to fight every fight they throw at you, no risk, no reward,” Evolev wrote. “See you guys in July, it’s ON #AbuDhabi.”

In a show of respect, Evloev publicly thanked Volkanovski for pushing for the matchup.

“@alexvolkanovski thank you Champ for trying to fight me,” Evloev wrote. “I will fight in July, and you fight in September, hopefully we both win, and we can meet in December.”23

UFC must seriously hate Evloev, as the fighter has previously hinted at (details here). Despite criticism for having zero finishes in the Octagon or perceptions of a boring style, Evloev’s undefeated record and No. 4 ranking make him the most deserving contender for a title shot, with no one above or below him presenting a stronger case.

Rumors suggest Yair Rodriguez could be next for Volkanovski in September, possibly to feature a Mexican star at the Noche UFC event, aka UFC 320. However, this choice seems beyond questionable: Rodriguez is 1-2 in his last three fights, his latest win coming against newcomer Patricio Pitbull, and he suffered an embarrassing one-sided loss to Volkanovski two years ago.

As for Evloev’s next opponent, rising star Jean Silva hinted that UFC may revisit a matchup with Aaron Pico, a fight rumored when Pico signed with the promotion.

Nevertheless, expect Evolev back in the cage when UFC returns to Abu Dhabi for a July Fight Night card.