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

Alexander Behunin specializes in running MMAmania.com's various social media accounts, as well as covering live UFC events, interviewing the sports biggest stars and personalities.

Denied (again)!

Unfortunately, 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.

Even though Volkanovski requested, specifically, to challenge the Russian’s perfect record.

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

“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 ... and he knows it.

Despite criticism for having zero finishes inside the Octagon — or perceptions of a boring style — Evloev’s undefeated record and No. 4 seeding make him the most deserving contender for a title shot, with no one above nor 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 (a.k.a. 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 that was initially rumored when the former Bellator MMA star signed with the promotion.

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

To checkout UFC’s upcoming schedule of events click here.