Two of the biggest names in MMA are backing Movsar Evloev to get a UFC title shot in 2025.
Joe Rogan was on commentary duty alongside Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik in Las Vegas on Saturday night as the undefeated Russian picked up the biggest win of his career over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.
After improving his perfect record to 19-0, the featherweight contender refused to call out the division’s champion, Ilia Topuria, who recently became the first man to knock out Max Holloway.
Regardless, Rogan insisted he ‘can’t wait’ to see Evloev standing opposite Topuria in the UFC Octagon before retired lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov called for him to be given the biggest fight available.
Evloev, who recently revealed he won’t eat sugar until he becomes a UFC champion, looked ripped and much bigger than his UFC 310 opponent.
Despite that, Sterling was able to get him down to the floor with relative ease. ‘The Funk Master’ slowly and methodically worked his way to the back of Evloev.
When the Russian star got back to his feet, Sterling tossed him through the air and back to the mat – but Evloev had some of his own wrestling success before the end of round one.
It was more of the same early in round two. Sterling had early success with his grappling before Evloev reversed and proved he’s got some ground skills, too.
Lots of scrambles back and forth. As far as grappling matches go it was extremely exciting and fast-paced. UFC commentator Cormier was left wondering how both men would look in the third frame.
Sterling stuck to his foe throughout during the first half of the last round. Evloev even went airborne at one point, but then he managed to hit a reversal to end up on top.
The former bantamweight king was mauled for the final couple of minutes of an extremely close fight that went to the judge’s scorecards after a grueling 15 minutes of back-and-forth action.
Ultimately, all three cage side officials scored the fight 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28 in favor of Evloev.
Joe Rogan began talking about a title shot after Evloev’s big win was confirmed by Bruce Buffer.
He said: “You are undefeated and one of the most talented fighters in one of the most stacked divisions in the sport. I can’t wait to see you fight for the title. I hope that’s next. Congratulations.”
Soon after, Khabib Nurmagomedov went a step further by insisting Evloev should be next for Topuria.
‘The Eagle’ took to X – formerly known as Twitter – to make the case for his compatriot.
“19:0 in MMA and 9:0 in UFC I think,” Nurmagomedov tweeted.
“@MovsarUFC deserves title shot.”
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