Movsar Evloev has remained undefeated through 19 fights, dominated elite names like Aljamain Sterling and Arnold Allen, and racked up nine straight UFC wins. Still, he’s watched others leapfrog him in the featherweight title queue. But now, Dana White has cracked the door open—just barely.
The UFC CEO officially revealed the stacked July 26 Fight Night card in Abu Dhabi. Before Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder close the show, Evloev will meet former Bellator powerhouse Aaron Pico in a five-round co-main event that could finally change the Russian’s trajectory.
White didn’t make any promises, but he threw out a line that fans have been waiting to hear.
“Evloev is undefeated at 19-0 and one of the most intimidating guys at featherweight,” White said. “Pico is a ridiculously violent striker and very high-level grappler. Pico has had hype behind him since he was a teenager. … People compare him to the likes of Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier. If Movsar can get the victory, he will likely be the next contender for the title against Alexander Volkanovski.”
The choice of words was deliberate. White says Evloev might have a title shot—not that it’s guaranteed. That subtle hedge didn’t go unnoticed, especially with how many times the UFC has hyped No. 1 contender fights only to pivot at the last minute.
Even so, the fact that White acknowledged the possibility is already more recognition than Evloev has received in recent years. For a fighter with a flawless résumé and a suffocating style, Evloev has long been viewed as “too boring” or “not marketable enough.” Still, he kept showing up, shutting down opponents, and forcing his name into conversations, whether the UFC liked it or not.
Evloev even admitted publicly that he accepted the Pico bout knowing it probably wouldn’t result in a title shot—at least not immediately. But things seem to be shifting in his favor, especially after Volkanovski himself campaigned for Evloev to be next. Despite that, rumors continue to swirl that Yair Rodriguez, who’s gone 1-2 in his last three fights and was dismantled by Volk in 2023, may sneak back into the title mix.
That move would be nothing short of disrespectful to Evloev, who’s beaten legitimate contenders like Diego Lopes and handled Sterling with ease. But the UFC is a business first, and flashy knockouts or big names often carry more weight than an undefeated streak.
Evloev’s upcoming clash with Pico is no walk in the park. Aaron Pico brings real power and dangerous grappling, but if Evloev puts on the kind of performance he’s capable of, the UFC brass won’t be able to deny him any longer. And if White’s words hold even a little weight, that gold belt might finally be in reach.
Now it all comes down to July 26. Evloev needs to handle business, put on a show, and leave the matchmakers no choice. Because right now, White says Evloev might have a title shot—and that’s the closest he’s ever been to hearing yes.
