The UFC featherweight champion is seemingly close to finding out who he will be sharing the Octagon with next.
Many believed Alexander Volkanovski’s challenger was decided when Movsar Evloev defeated Lerone Murphy at UFC London.
But despite the Russian being 20-0, that did not look to be certain after Jean Silva’s fight week claims in England’s capital, as well as Dana White’s hesitancy to confirm who is the number one contender.
Just over a week later, however, the promotion has apparently chosen which way to go.
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Ariel Helwani has heard the UFC is picking Movsar Evloev to fight Alexander Volkanovski
Many have rallied around the unbeaten Russian contender and his claim to a first title shot on MMA’s biggest stage.
Joe Rogan urged UFC to grant Evloev’s opportunity after seeing his display against Murphy, and many have shared the same sentiment after seeing the promotion pass both him and ‘The Miracle’ over to give Diego Lopes the latest shot.
According to Ariel Helwani, the promotion is planning to finally heed those calls and give Evloev what he has long called for.
“My understanding, everyone, is that they’re going in the Movsar direction, that it’s going to be Movsar vs Alex,” the Canadian journalist said on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“That’s my understanding. That’s what I’ve heard. And that’s the right call.
“I’m not saying breaking news… but my understanding is that is the direction that they are leaning towards, and that has been expressed,” he added.
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The chance to take Evloev’s undefeated status was the Australian champ’s preference after he became a two-time champion last April.
While Volkanovski was made to fight Lopes again first, he now looks likely to finally get his shot at taking a highly touted contender’s ‘0’ for the first time.
The UFC’s reported decision will come as a relief to those who were pushing back on a Silva title shot. The boisterous Brazilian has won just once since losing to Lopes at Noche UFC last September.