The UFC featherweight division is now in a state of chaos, with 12 ranking changes in a single week, including a shake-up involving champion Alexander Volkanovski. Ilia Topuria‘s drop to No. 3 after vacating his title, Yair Rodriguez‘s climb to No. 4, and Jean Silva‘s debut at No. 11 have all contributed to the volatility. While Dan Ige moved up and Bryce Mitchell fell out completely, this major change has revived debate about who genuinely deserves the next title opportunity. And one fighter, Movsar Evloev, was not about to stay silent in the midst of the storm.
Following a strong victory over Aljamain Sterling, Evloev wasted no time taking his shot. The undefeated Russian, now 19-0, has challenged Volkanovski to a fight during International Fight Week in June. On X, he wrote a big comment citing names he’s defeated—Diego Lopes, Sterling, Dan Ige, and Arnold Allen—arguing that no one outside the champ has a better record in the featherweight division. He even timed the callout for the UFC’s marquee summer card, saying, “Me vs @alexvolkanovski end of June IFW.” The timing, as well as his case, could not be better.
However, not everyone is convinced that Movsar is the right man for the job. Aaron Pico weighed in on the topic and endorsed Jean Silva during an interview with Submission Radio. According to Pico, Silva’s pristine 5-0 UFC record (all finishes) makes him the more exciting choice for spectators. He said, “I think, honestly, I think Jean Silva, I mean, he’s 5-0 in the UFC with 5 finishes. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got the title shot, if I’m being completely honest. But I don’t know, that’s just me. He put on a great performance, the crowd loved him, and he’s starting to get a lot of fans, and I think he’s very, very exciting.” Pico further added, “Movsar is a great fighter, of course, but to the fans, it’s very, very boring.” The Bellator fighter feels the UFC will favor the guy who can bring both action and hype and right now, the spotlight appears to be focused on Silva.
Despite the noise, Movsar Evloev refuses to back down. While some fighters wait for their opportunity, he tries to grasp it in real time—through his performances, resume, and voice. With ‘The Great’ back at the top and the featherweight division, the UFC must decide whether to go with the fighter who thrills fans or the one who has methodically demolished the competition. In any case, the summer has become significantly more fascinating. But what does Alexander Volkanovski think about it?
Alexander Volkanovski reveals his thoughts on facing Movsar Evloev
Alexander Volkanovski’s win over Diego Lopes was more than just winning the featherweight title; it was a personal statement. Critics had written him off following his crushing defeats to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, yet ‘The Great’ not only survived but thrived at UFC 314. And now that the belt is wrapped around his waist, his mind is already back on the grind. Volkanovski refused to evade the question of what comes next. In fact, he made it obvious that if Movsar Evloev is the guy, he’s all in.
While Volkanovski acknowledged Yair Rodriguez’s request for a rematch in September, there was a notable shift in tone when he mentioned Evloev. The Australian sounded intrigued—almost eager—to face the undefeated Russian. “I’d love to take that zero,” he stated, his voice filled with the typical competitive fire. Nonetheless, he did not commit just yet. Volkanovski is waiting for permission due to some lingering injuries from the Lopes bout, but if his hands are in decent shape, a rapid turnaround versus Evloev—possibly as early as July—is an option.
Evloev has already put down the gauntlet. He congratulated Volkanovski on X, but then issued a challenge that felt more like a test of character: “Now, let’s see what your word is worth.” It’s the type of public nudge that most champions ignore—but not Volk. He has repeatedly proved that he is not afraid of difficult fights or emerging contenders. If both men stay healthy and the UFC approves it, this fight could be closer than we think. What do you think? Should Movsar Evloev be the next title challenger? Let us know in the comments.
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