Jose Aldo wants Evloev out of UFC if the Russian contender suffers his first career loss, as the former featherweight champion continues to criticize his fighting style ahead of UFC 333.
Evloev will challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title in the UFC 333 main event this Saturday in Abu Dhabi. The Russian earned his first title shot after defeating Lerone Murphy in March, following a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.
Evloev had already strengthened his case for a title opportunity with a victory over Lerone Murphy 2026. However, his inactivity and decision-heavy fighting style have attracted criticism despite his unbeaten record.
Speaking to Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting, Aldo explained why he would not give Evloev a title shot if he were running the UFC, arguing that the promotion must prioritize entertainment and business alongside rankings.
“The UFC isn’t just an organization that has to follow a ranking system. It’s a business, it’s entertainment. It’s not a matter of, ‘I’m number one, so I have to fight for the title.’
“Evloev is ranked No. 1 in the division, if I’m not mistaken, and if I were the president, I’d never put him in there. He could beat everybody. I’d wait for him to lose for the first time and then cut him because he’s a guy who doesn’t sell, a guy who puts on boring fights, a guy who doesn’t draw attention, who just stays inactive.
“So why would I give him that opportunity? I want to sell out my arena. I want my event to grow. There’s a lot involved,” Aldo said. “Jean Silva could lose three fights, but he’s a guy who comes forward, a guy who puts on a show. There are so many things you have to consider. It’s not just a matter of, ‘F—, I beat everyone.’
“You beat everyone by laying and praying, drawing no attention, and nobody talks about anything,” Aldo added.
Despite the criticism, Evloev has defended his fighting style and argued that fans who understand MMA can appreciate an effective performance even without a finish.
