Movsar Evloev discloses UFC U-turn that hints they expected Lopes to beat Volkanovski
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Movsar Evloev believes the UFC expected a different outcome at UFC 314, and his experience that night has raised fresh questions. The undefeated contender was on standby as Alexander Volkanovski faced Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title. The plan, at least initially, suggested Evloev would be part of the immediate aftermath.
Instead, events unfolded differently. Volkanovski reclaimed the belt, and Evloev was left watching without the opportunity he had been told to prepare for. That moment has now become part of a wider conversation about how the UFC is managing the division.
Movsar Evloev questions UFC decision after Alexander Volkanovski win Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Speaking ahead of UFC London, Evloev revealed he had been instructed to be ready for a post-fight face-off inside the Octagon at UFC 314. “Yeah, I was kind of surprised when they didn’t let me in, because before they tell me like: ‘Be ready,’” the Russian said. “Maybe they expected Lopez to win.
That’s why they tell me to be ready. And Volk wins and they change their minds. But I don’t care, generally.
” His comments suggest the promotion had mapped out a scenario where Lopes emerged as champion. When that did not happen, the plan shifted. This adds even more intrigue to the UFC’s decision to give Lopes an immediate rematch for the featherweight title at UFC 325, an unpopular call among fans.