"Anything Is Possible": Dana White Reveals What Movsar Evloev Must Do to Earn Another Title Shot

Dana White outlines Movsar Evloev’s road back to UFC gold.© NDTV Photo Library

UFC CEO Dana White has not ruled out another featherweight title shot for Movsar Evloev. But he made it clear that the Russian must rebuild his case after losing to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 333. Evloev came into the main event in Abu Dhabi with an undefeated record of 20-0 but was stopped by Volkanovski in the second round. Volkanovski retained the 145-pound title with a technical knockout at 4:54 of round two at Etihad Arena on Saturday. A left hook-right cross combination dropped Evloev. The champion then finished him with ground strikes before referee Marc Goddard stepped in.

Dana White leaves the door open for Evloev's UFC title comeback

Despite the loss, Movsar Evloev remains among the leading names in the featherweight division. According to Sherdog's post-UFC 333 rankings, he stands at No. 2.

When asked directly what Evloev must do to earn another shot, Dana White said, "I don't know. You'd have to see who he fights and how it goes. I have no idea, but anything is possible.”

The 32-year-old will likely need a winning run before returning to title contention. Jean Silva, Aljamain Sterling and Kevin Vallejos are among the contenders still waiting for their first opportunities against Volkanovski.

Sterling is scheduled to face Vallejos, creating a potential title eliminator at 145 pounds. Silva, ranked fifth, has also been pushing for a shot. Vallejos arrives with momentum after a first-round knockout of Josh Emmett.

Volkanovski's Gaethje superfight could change Evloev's title hopes

Movsar Evloev's route back may also depend on Alexander Volkanovski's future. The Australian has again spoken about a superfight with lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. He describes it as a superfight he would “retire for". He says he will continue defending the featherweight belt if that matchup doesn't happen.

A Volkanovski move to lightweight, or a future loss, could open the featherweight title picture for Evloev and the other contenders. But an immediate rematch appears unlikely after Volkanovski's decisive finish.

Evloev is now 20-1 overall and 10-1 in the UFC. His next opponent is yet to be announced. However, White's comments suggest that a few victories and patience will be required before he gets another chance at UFC gold.