Movsar Evloev was originally scheduled to fight former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 307. The fight takes place in a few weeks in Salt Lake City. Unfortunately, Sterling has pulled out due to an unforeseen injury. To find a short-notice replacement, Evloev has now urged Dana White‘s new featherweight star, Diego Lopes, to step in.
Sterling recently announced that he won’t be fighting next month due to an injury. However, Evloev is not convinced about letting his training camp go to waste. Lopes made his UFC debut in a short-notice fight against Evloev at UFC 288. Though he lost the bout, his performance was appreciated by many. However, the dynamics have changed a lot for the fight as he denied another short-notice fight.
You had your chance a few months ago when I called you to fight!! Now you sit back and watch as the bus leaves you waiting.
Diego Lopes via X
Lopes doubled down soon after. The BJJ black belt claimed that when he challenged Evloev earlier this year, the undefeated fighter rejected and blamed his inferior rank. The Brazilian mocked Evloev by comparing their recent promotional activity, which differed significantly. While Evloev kept waiting for perfect opportunities, Lopes stacked up multiple victories.
Brother, since my first victory in the UFC, I called you to fight. You could make excuses, that you were above me in the rankings. Since our fight, I have 5 victories. While you have only fought once. You were lower in the rankings. Not to mention that you have not finished anyone.
Diego Lopes via X
Brother, since my first victory in the UFC, I called you to fight. You could make excuses, that you were above me in the rankings. Since our fight, I have 5 victories. While you have only fought once. You were lower in the rankings. Not to mention that you have not finished… https://t.co/Q1txZl6STm
— Diego Lopes 🇧🇷🇲🇽 (@Diegolopesmma) September 18, 2024
You had your chance a few months ago when I called you to fight!! Now you sit back and watch as the bus leaves you waiting. https://t.co/JMnQfNOUp4
— Diego Lopes 🇧🇷🇲🇽 (@Diegolopesmma) September 18, 2024
Diego Lopes has already fought thrice this year and is on a five-fight win streak. After his last win against Brian Ortega, the Brazilian fighter is currently the #3 ranked in the division. Lopes has his eyes set on the title and fighting Evloev in a short notice fight is the last thing he would want. As such, the undefeated featherweight will have to look elsewhere.
Movsar Evloev aims for a more dangerous opponent than Aljamain Sterling
Movsar Evloev was extremely eager for his UFC 307 bout and frequently teased about showing his new skills in the fight. As a result, Aljamain Sterling’s pullout definitely has affected the fighter. Evloev doesn’t want to leave this opportunity and his desperation is clearly visible.
Movsar Evloev is ready to fight a new Brazilian prospect (via X)After Evloev publicly asked for someone to step up to fight him, it was DWCS winner Jean Silva who showed interest. The ‘Fighting Nerd’ is in terrific form as of late.
The Brazilian has not fought since July and is ready to substitute Aljo. Evloev is pleased with this arrangement but isn’t so sure about Silva’s commitment to fighting.
A lot of people say they want to fight me on the internet, but if you really want to fight me call the UFC and I will fight you, make 145lbs and it’s a go, and I know you are more dangerous than Sterling but if I want to be a Champion I have to beat everyone.
Movsar Evloev via X
A lot of people say they want to fight me on the internet, but if you really want to fight me call the UFC and I will fight you, make 145lbs and it’s a go, and I know you are more dangerous than Sterling but if I want to be a Champion I have to beat everyone https://t.co/aH40YBLpjS
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) September 18, 2024
Silva has fought three times in the UFC and has finished all of his opponents viciously. His striking ability is outstanding, and the bout between him and Evloev has the potential to be a spectacular clash. It would be interesting to see how the UFC interprets the scenario and makes the appropriate decision.
