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Arnold Allen disclosed that he was offered a fight at UFC 319 under the promise that it would serve as a title eliminator. This admission, shared on his Instagram, has sent ripples through the featherweight division and the UFC fanbase alike. Allen’s statement also included the observation that the upcoming fight between Aaron Pico and Lerone Murphy is likely another title eliminator, implying that the winner would be next in line for a championship shot.
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Movsar Evloev: The Perennial Contender or the UFC’s Biggest Snub?
Movsar Evloev sits atop the UFC featherweight rankings, undefeated at 19-0, with a professional career marked by meticulous wrestling and strategic grappling. Despite this and a series of notable wins—including a dominant win over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 in December 2024—Evloev has been dogged by what can only be described as repeated snubs when it comes to a title shot.
Still Undefeated!
Movsar Evloev beats Aljamain Sterling by unanimous decision 👏
Watch our #UFC310 prelims LIVE NOW on @UFCFightPass 📺 pic.twitter.com/MFkfrFkNdS
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) December 8, 2024
The narrative surrounding Evloev is complex. His wrestling-heavy style, with a lack of finishes, seems to be a sticking point for UFC brass, contrasting with the more visibly exciting striking-oriented fighters like Pico or less deserving but hard-working Lerone Murphy. While his skills and undefeated streak speak volumes, the UFC’s promotional and matchmaking decisions appear to weigh heavily on marketability alongside merit.
Evloev himself has shown patience but not passivity regarding his position. He publicly vowed to fight anyone the UFC wants and stated after his latest win that he cannot be denied a title shot after one more victory. His message reflected both confidence and frustration over the prolonged wait to claim what many see as his rightful opportunity.
Meanwhile, the UFC appears to be positioning other bouts, like Aaron Pico vs. Lerone Murphy, as pivotal showdown fights that could effectively leapfrog Evloev in the title queue. Arnold Allen’s claim that his offered fight was a “title eliminator” bolsters this line of thinking and raises questions about whether Evloev is being unfairly sidelined yet again.
Aaron Pico will make his UFC debut against Lerone Murphy at #UFC319 in Chicago, John Gooden announced during the #UFCAbuDhabi broadcast.
This bout will serve as the co-main event. pic.twitter.com/LEFGZPYxxx
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 26, 2025
This situation leaves fans and critics alike wondering if the UFC is adhering to conventional meritocracy or if business considerations are clouding the selection of title challengers. With Evloev still sidelined from a direct title shot, the featherweight division’s landscape grows more complicated and controversial.
What’s Next for Evloev and the Featherweight Division?
As the UFC builds toward UFC 319 and beyond, the stakes are increasing. Will the Pico vs. Murphy fight indeed serve as a title eliminator, as Arnold Allen suggests? If so, does this mean that Evloev has to fight, and beat, yet another high-profile contender before the UFC finally grants him a shot at gold? Or will his unbeaten record and recent wins finally reward him with a title showdown against Volkanovski?
Movsar Evloev has not had two fights in a row without a cancellation in between since 2021 🫤 pic.twitter.com/pBfpSTmSSL
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) July 14, 2025
At 31 years old and undefeated, Evloev’s time for a title fight seems overdue. UFC fans, analysts, and even insiders have voiced that the Russian fighter is being overlooked despite his flawless record. His style may not light up the highlight reels like some strikers, but the sport’s competitive fabric is built on skill and results, where Evloev’s credentials are unmatched.
The UFC’s choice to elevate other contenders for title eliminators while keeping Evloev waiting further fuels debate about the promotional policies shaping the division. One truth remains: a battle-hardened, undefeated contender like Movsar Evloev deserves clarity—and soon—on his path to the featherweight championship.
The featherweight title picture remains as unpredictable as ever. Arnold Allen’s revelation adds another twist, while Movsar Evloev’s spotless record continues to demand recognition. Whether the UFC prioritizes marketable matchups or true meritocracy will soon become clear. For Evloev, each passing event either inches him closer to long-awaited gold or risks pushing him further back in line.
For now, UFC fans can only wait, watch, and hope that the UFC rewards Evloev’s perseverance with the title shot he’s earned and deserves. If recent history and Arnold Allen’s post are any indication, however, the road to gold in the featherweight division will continue to be a complex and contested journey.
