In the highly competitive world of mixed martial arts, Movsar Evloev has etched an impressive record since making his UFC debut in April 2019. With a flawless 17-0 MMA record, including a 7-0 run in the UFC, Evloev has proven to be a force in the featherweight division. However, a notable aspect of his career is the absence of a stoppage victory, a trend he aims to reverse when he faces Arnold Allen (19-2 MMA, 10-1 UFC) on the main card of UFC 297 at Scotiabank Arena.
Despite his unbeaten status, Evloev’s inability to finish opponents has not gone unnoticed. Marcos “Parrumpa” DaMatta, his head coach at American Top Team, acknowledges that the lack of stoppages is a conscious aspect of Evloev’s game. DaMatta reveals that Evloev is actively working on diversifying his skill set to secure finishes, recognizing the challenge in submitting opponents well-versed in jiu-jitsu. The coach emphasizes the need to incorporate striking into Evloev’s arsenal, seamlessly transitioning between striking and submissions to secure decisive victories.
While Evloev may lack stoppage victories, his dominance within the cage is undeniable. Having executed 34 takedowns in his six UFC appearances, he recently earned a Fight of the Night honor with a compelling performance against Diego Lopes at UFC 288 in May. Currently ranked No. 8 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie featherweight rankings, Evloev faces a formidable challenge in the No. 7-ranked Arnold Allen. DaMatta asserts that this is the fight Evloev has been seeking, a crucial step to ascend the rankings and potentially enter the conversation for a title shot.
DaMatta expresses confidence in Evloev’s readiness for the elevated competition. Despite past setbacks, such as the canceled bout against Bryce Mitchell, DaMatta sees the Allen fight as the key to propelling Evloev into the top five of the featherweight division. He believes that a conclusive victory over Allen, known for his well-rounded skills and durability, would solidify Evloev’s position as a top contender. DaMatta underscores Evloev’s undefeated record and devout commitment to his faith, suggesting that he is poised to reach new heights in his career.
UFC 297 presents a pivotal opportunity for Evloev, with the featherweight title scheduled to be contested at UFC 298 in just over a month. Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his title against Ilia Topuria, and DaMatta speculates on the potential implications of a win for Evloev. While uncertain about an immediate title shot, DaMatta points to the history of canceled fights with Topuria and the need for fresh contenders if Volkanovski continues his dominance. Evloev could find himself in a favorable position for a title shot, especially if he secures a decisive victory over Allen.
DaMatta emphasizes the significance of finishing fights in the current landscape of the featherweight division. He envisions a scenario where Evloev’s victory over Allen aligns with Topuria winning the title, creating a compelling narrative for a championship bout. The coach underscores the animosity between Evloev and Topuria, highlighting their previous failed attempts to fight and the potential for a highly anticipated title clash. DaMatta concludes by emphasizing the critical importance of the next couple of months, with the outcomes of UFC 297 and the subsequent title fight between Volkanovski and Topuria shaping the landscape of the featherweight division. The emphasis is on finishing opponents, a strategic move to position Evloev for potential title contention in the near future.
