Undefeated UFC featherweight Movsar Evloev faced significant challenges leading up to his impressive victory over Lerone Murphy at UFC London. While initial concerns revolved around potential travel visa complications, it has now been revealed that Evloev sustained a severe injury just weeks before the event that threatened his participation.
Evloev, who ultimately secured a majority decision win despite a mid-fight point deduction for a low blow, reportedly shattered his nose in a gruesome incident during his training camp. This graphic injury, occurring mere weeks before he was set to step into the Octagon, could have easily derailed his fight.
Despite the severity of the nasal injury, Evloev’s performance against Murphy showed no signs of diminished cardio or fight readiness. His dominant display further solidifies his standing as a top contender in the featherweight division.
With this recent triumph, Evloev is now widely considered the prime candidate for a title shot against current UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski. Evloev’s path to championship contention has been marked by both impressive victories over notable opponents like Diego Lopes and Aljamain Sterling, as well as periods of inactivity due to fight cancellations and other injuries. While Volkanovski himself has expressed that Evloev deserves the next opportunity, recent claims by Jean Silva about a potential fight with Volkanovski introduce an element of uncertainty. Nevertheless, Evloev remains poised and ready for his chance to claim UFC gold.