Snubbed by Dana White, undefeated UFC fighter could face the same path as Ankalaev with Poatan

Movsar Evloev (left) defeated Diego lopes (dir) in 2023. Photo: Reproduction/X

When Ilia Topuria surprisingly announced that he was vacating the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg), it seemed that Movsar Evloev was in a prime position to fight for the unclaimed title. Despite this, Dana White announced that Alexander Volkanovsky would face Diego lopes for the gold in the UFC 314, that happens this saturday (12) in Miami, snubbing the undefeated Russian who is on a nine-fight winning streak in the organization and who has even defeated the Brazilian based in Mexico.

Dana White is clearly not a big fan of Evloev's heavy-handed fighting style and even called his victory in the UFC 297 about arnold allen as 'the least fun fight ever'. While Evloev will likely feel unfairly wronged for not yet earning a shot at the featherweight title, he could follow in his compatriot's footsteps, Magomed Ankalayev.

Ankalaev lost a single UFC fight in his 2018 debut against Paul Craig. After the episode, the Russian no longer knew what it was like to lose, but was always singled out by Dana for offering 'boring and emotionless' fights. Despite his impressive winning streak at light heavyweight (up to 93kg), Ankalaev was constantly overlooked for the title fight until the organization could no longer deny him. The Russian finally got his title shot against Alex Poatán last month, in UFC 313, becoming the new king in the up to 93 kg category.

Poatan was defeated by Ankalaev in the UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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In addition, Movsar Evloev, who is 4th in the rankings, keeps an eye on the main fight of the UFC 314 between Alexander Volkanovsky e Diego lopes. Both the Australian and the Brazilian based in Mexico highlighted the Russian as their next opponent if they win the featherweight title.

Movsar Evloev vs Aaron Pico

Despite the 31-year-old seemingly being next in line to fight the winner of Volkanovski vs. Lopes, rumors began circulating earlier this week that Evloev was set to fight Aaron Pico, who became a free agent last year when he failed to reach an agreement with the PFL, joining a few other big names in leaving the organization.

Aaron Pico in action for Bellator. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @aaronpicousa

The 28-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most promising featherweight fighters in the world. Despite his poor start in the sport, UFC fans have been clamoring for his signing for some time.

Despite the repercussion surrounding Pico's name, the rumor came as a huge shock considering Evloev's position in the featherweight rankings.

However, this Tuesday (8), Evloev's team denied the rumor of the supposed fight against Pico.