For years, fans and fighters alike have tried to figure out what makes Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s wrestling so impenetrable. It wasn’t just the technique; it was something more. Now, Movsar Evloev, one of the UFC’s most dominant, undefeated fighters, feels he has the answer. As the featherweight title race heats up with Alexander Volkanovski becoming the champion at UFC 314, Evloev is pushing his case for a shot at the throne—and he’s relying on Khabib’s formula for dominance to get there. But will that plan work? Not according to Ali Abdelaziz.
“Khabib is a special guy. Nobody is even close to his level of control,” Evloev said in a recent interview with the Overdogs podcast. While ‘The Russian Rocket’ thinks his wrestling skills are at an already high level, there is a massive need to gain more control. He said, “I need more submissions. Maybe it’s also about confidence, because when Khabib steps in the cage, we can see how confident he is. Opponents always try and run away, and they even didn’t try to exchange with him because they don’t believe in themselves. No one else have same like Khabib, like confidence.” In a sport where talent is plentiful, Movsar Evloev feels that constant trust in oneself is what distinguishes the greats from the legends.
Interestingly, Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s long-time manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently took to X to remind the world of something many already believe. He uploaded a photo of himself with ‘The Eagle’ and added the caption, “My brother, one of a kind, never duplicated, cannot be imitated @TeamKhabib .” While it may or may not be aimed at Movsar Evloev directly, the message lands like a truth bomb. If Nurmagomedov’s greatness cannot be copied, Evloev’s effort to borrow certain fragments of it may already be simply impossible. Still, that hasn’t stopped him from trying.
It is also worth noting that confidence may be the missing link, but it isn’t the only thing holding him back. Despite having a perfect 9-0 UFC record, Evloev has yet to finish a bout. His suffocating technique has neutralized elite names such as Dan Ige, Arnold Allen, and Aljamain Sterling, but a lack of highlight-reel moments has prompted Dana White and fans to label him as “boring.” He even alleges the UFC has kept him out of title contention, citing a cold backstage snub following UFC 314 in which security prevented him from contacting Volkanovski. “Apparently, in their eyes, I am not worthy of the title yet,” he said.
Still, Movsar Evloev is not backing down. He’s embracing Khabib Nurmagomedov’s philosophy, not just to dominate, but to win. Greater submissions, greater control, and, most importantly, increased confidence. “If nine wins in the best organization in the world aren’t enough, I’m ready to fight nine more times,” he stated. However, if he truly unlocks the mental edge that made ‘The Eagle’ unstoppable, the UFC may be unable to keep him away for long. Alexander Volkanovski may be the champion, but Evloev is poised to become a menace no one can ignore. In fact, he has promised to bring major change. So, will he be training with Team Dagestan for it?
Will Movsar Evloev team up with Camp Dagestan to find the missing edge?
Movsar Evloev claims he wants to channel Khabib Nurmagomedov’s mindset. He wants submission-based dominance and unwavering confidence. However, when it comes to stepping into the same room as the likes of Islam Makhachev, who finished Alexander Volkanovski in their last fight,’ The Russian Rocket’ isn’t interested. Not even tempted. But why? Does he think he’s above them, or is it because he’s trying to prove a point? Well, the answer is much simpler: he’s just loyal.
The unbeaten Russian knows the buzz surrounding him. He understands that if there is one place on Earth where confidence and dominance are forged into steel, it is in that Dagestani war room. But, while it would be simple to visit that camp and pick up a few tricks for a Volkanovski fight, Movsar Evloev refuses. “It wouldn’t be right,” he stated, recalling the years he spent honing his skills at American Top Team. “It’s not only my dream; it’s the dream of everyone on American Top Team.” His decision has a deeper meaning—he wants to win the title with the people who built him, not just for himself.
He could’ve taken shortcuts. ‘The Russian Rocket’ might have used Makhachev’s KO game or drawn from Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legendary control. Instead, he chooses to stay where he is and bring that confidence to ATT rather than outsourcing it somewhere. “I already consider myself 100% American Top Team,” Evloev said. It isn’t about training where greatness has already been established; it’s about developing greatness where he is. And in a sport where loyalty is rare, Movsar Evloev might just be the anomaly the UFC never saw coming.
The post 1 Aspect Behind Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Success Gets Revealed as Movsar Evloev and Ali Abdelaziz Drop the Truth Bomb appeared first on EssentiallySports.