UFC Title Shot Delays: The Cases of Arman Tsarukyan and Movsar Evloev
The UFC lightweight and featherweight divisions are brimming with talent, but some fighters seem to be consistently overlooked when it comes to championship opportunities. Recently, discussions have centered around two particularly deserving contenders: Arman Tsarukyan and Movsar Evloev. While Tsarukyan’s situation has garnered attention, many analysts, including former champion Daniel Cormier, believe Evloev is facing an even more frustrating roadblock to a title shot.
Movsar Evloev’s Championship Path: A Roadblock of Injuries and Missed Opportunities
Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC), an undefeated Russian fighter, hasn’t stepped into the Octagon since his impressive victory over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 in December 2024. A scheduled bout against Aaron Pico at UFC on ABC 9 last July was derailed by injury, further delaying his ascent. Despite his flawless record and dominant performances, Evloev finds himself outside the immediate title picture.
Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (27-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC) expressed willingness to face Evloev after securing the vacant belt against Diego Lopes at UFC 314. However, the UFC reportedly preferred Evloev to have another fight before challenging for the title. This led to a rematch between Volkanovski and Lopes, set to headline UFC 325 (Paramount+) in Sydney.
“Lord knows what’s going on with Movsar Evloev,” Cormier stated on his YouTube channel. “There’s one guy getting done worse than freaking Arman Tsarukyan; it is Movsar Evloev. He hasn’t even gotten any type of traction towards a championship fight.”
Arman Tsarukyan: A Rising Star Facing Scrutiny
While Evloev’s situation is particularly concerning, Arman Tsarukyan has also faced questions regarding his path to a title shot. His impressive skillset and recent victories have positioned him as a legitimate threat, but some critics argue he needs a more definitive, high-profile win to solidify his claim. The lack of consistent opportunities against top-ranked opponents has fueled the debate surrounding his readiness for a championship bout.
Lerone Murphy Emerges as a Serious Contender
Another fighter vying for a shot at Volkanovski is Lerone Murphy (17-0-1 MMA, 9-0-1 UFC). Cormier believed that Murphy’s knockout victory over Pico at UFC 319 would finally earn him a title opportunity. “Exactly, so Lerone Murphy because he finally got a finish,” Cormier explained. “Because that would seem to have been the thing actually stopping him from getting a title fight because he could be a tad bit boring at times.”
What’s Next for the Featherweight Division?
The UFC featherweight division is at a fascinating crossroads. The outcome of the Volkanovski vs. Lopes rematch at UFC 325 will undoubtedly shape the future landscape. However, the cases of Movsar Evloev and Arman Tsarukyan highlight the challenges faced by deserving contenders in a competitive and often unpredictable sport. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who ultimately earns the right to challenge for the title. For more insights into the world of MMA, check out MMA Fighting.
