Some MMA enthusiasts aren’t surprised at UFC featherweights’ unwillingness to do battle with the undefeated Movsar Evloev on short notice.
One of the key bouts set for the upcoming UFC 307 pay-per-view in Salt Lake City on Oct. 5 took a hit earlier this month when former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling announced his withdrawal through injury.
“Funk Master” was scheduled to share the cage with the #6-ranked Evloev in what would have marked his second outing in the 145-pound division.
The promotion had hoped to keep the unbeaten Russian on the lineup, which also boasts the likes of Kayla Harrison, José Aldo, and Kevin Holland below championship headliners that will see Alex Pereira and Raquel Pennington defend their titles.
Per MMA Mania’s Alex Behunin, however, the UFC failed in its pursuit of a replacement opponent, with nobody agreeing to fight Evloev on the Oct. 5 date.
Evloev Off UFC 307 Lineup, Fans React
After Evloev called the weight class out on social media in the hopes of keeping himself on the UFC 307 card following news of Sterling’s injury, a few names emerged. But while notable contenders like Jean Silva and Bryce Mitchell expressed a willingness to face the Russian, they required more time.
Fans were quick to give their thoughts on Evloev’s forced withdrawal on social media. Takes varied, with some using the absence of willing foes as evidence of Evloev’s talents and others suggesting that he won’t be missed at UFC 307 given his lack of Octagon finishes.
