"He should fight Ilia" - Fans throw in names as Movsar Evloev plans to fight early in 2025 before Ramadan

Fans reacted to Movsar Evloev saying that he wants to fight before Ramadan. Practising Muslims fast extensively during the holy month. Although there are exceptions, Muslim MMA fighters avoid going through the physically intensive training camp or fight professionally during the period.

No. 4-ranked UFC featherweight contender Evloev secured his ninth consecutive UFC victory when he defeated Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310. In an interview with TMZ Sports, the 30-year-old expressed the desire to fight one more time before he has to observe Ramadan, which starts on Feb. 28, 2025.

He said:

"I'm good. I feel amazing but still waiting the news for the next fight. But nothing yet. ... So maybe next week they'll make something for me because I need to fight before Ramadan. So we have January, February. ... So we'll see."

When asked if he wants to face a specific opponent, Evloev responded:

"There is only a couple of names if not the title shot. So doesn't matter."

@Home_of_Fight re-posted the video of Evloev making the comments on X.

Check out Movsar Evloev's comments below:

Fans took to the comments section to suggest next potential opponents for Evloev's return. An overhwelming majority of fans called for the Diego Lopes rematch.

Fan reactions

Evloev defeated the debuting fighter in a closely contested short notice fight at UFC 288 in May 2023. Lopes went on to amass a five-fight win streak, climbing to No.3 spot in the rankings with his latest win over Brian Ortega at UFC 306. Social media reactions suggest that Lopes' recent performances have led many fans to believe the result could be different if he fought Evloev with full camp.

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Movsar Evloev doesn't care about specific opponents, aims to win the featherweight title

Movsar Evloev's UFC 310 win over Aljamain Sterling has made him a frontrunner for the featherweight title shot. However, reigning champion Ilia Topuria said that he's considering a move to lightweight due to difficulties with weight-cutting.

In the aforementioned interview with TMZ Sports, Evloev was asked to share his thoughts on Topuria's future in the 145-pound division. He suggested that he doesn't prefer any specific opponent as long as the title is on the line:

"If Ilia Topuria stays at featherweight, I'm pretty sure that they will make him and Volk again. But his coach and he said that he could be moving up. So I don't know and, honestly, I don't care. So just give me my title."

Check out Movsar Evloev's comments below (0:38):