What more does a fighter have to do to earn a UFC title shot? For undefeated featherweight contender Movsar Evloev, a 9-fight win streak inside the Octagon (19-0-0 overall) still hasn’t been enough. Since his debut in 2019, the Russian has steadily built a resume worthy of championship contention, yet the long-awaited title opportunity continues to slip through his fingers. While Evloev’s technical dominance is undeniable, critics argue that his inability to secure stoppages has kept him from standing out in a stacked division.

Earlier this year, momentum seemed to swing in Movsar Evloev’s favor when Alexander Volkanovski recaptured the vacant featherweight belt in a brutal war with Diego Lopes. After the fight, ‘The Great’ wasted no time declaring Evloev as the opponent he wanted next, aiming to add glory to his ‘legacy’—a statement that led many to believe the matchup was a done deal. Rumors swirled that the fight would headline a UFC event in September. Still, the UFC has yet to make it official, sparking frustration among fans, analysts, and fighters alike who believe Evloev’s title shot is long overdue.

Recently, Movsar Evloev took to social media, publicly accusing Dana White & Co. of holding him back from the championship picture. He also hinted at a return in July and thanked Alexander Volkanovski in a social media post “for trying fight” him predicting that they’d finally face off in December. The statement ignited fresh criticism toward the UFC brass, with many questioning the promotion’s matchmaking priorities. Even former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling joined the chorus, calling out what he sees as bias and a business-first mentality. Aljo wrote:

“Business/marketing over merit. All of us fighters know how the new age of MMA in the UFC is played. So we have to consciously make a decision on the way that we fight, and the way we market ourselves. Movsar should’ve been next 1-2 title fights ago IMHO.”

Currently ranked No. 4 in the UFC featherweight division, Movsar Evloev has quietly built an impressive resume. He’s defeated dangerous names like Diego Lopes, Arnold Allen, and most recently, former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310. Yet, his methodical, decision-heavy style has sparked debates about whether he’s exciting enough to headline a title fight.

Still, fans have had enough. They’re now rallying behind ‘Funk Master’, taking to social media to criticize Dana White and the UFC brass for prioritizing hype over hard-earned results. Here’s what the MMA community is saying.

UFC fans question Dana White’s fairness in denying Movsar Evloev a title shot

Critics have long and controversially argued that Dana White & Co. force fighters from certain backgrounds to wait far longer for title shots than others. Prominent names like Movsar Evloev, Belal Muhammad, and Magomed Ankalaev have all proven their dominance inside the Octagon, yet their paths to championship gold have been notably delayed. These drawn-out journeys have only strengthened claims made by Team Khabib, who once remarked about a potential Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev fight.

“It’s not a true sport. [UFC] is not a true sport. It’s entertainment first.” That statement raised plenty of eyebrows across the MMA community, igniting debates about whether the UFC is more invested in entertainment value than fair, merit-based matchmaking. Movsar Evloev, for instance, has remained unbeaten and steadily climbed the ranks—despite not having the highlight-reel finishes that often win over casual fans. Even respected figures like Alexander Volkanovski and Aljamain Sterling have voiced their support for the Russian’s case. Now, fans are beginning to rally behind him as well, calling out what they see as a clear oversight by the promotion.

With rumors swirling that ‘The Great’ could face Yair Rodríguez in a rematch—possibly at UFC Noche—many believe the UFC is prioritizing regional appeal over competitive merit. As one fan put it: “It’s not like Yair is some big draw, I don’t get why he takes priority.” Another chimed in, echoing Aljamain Sterling’s frustration: “He’s not wrong.” The featherweight division itself has undergone major shifts in recent months. Alexander Volkanovski made history by reclaiming gold after the age of 35 in a division below welterweight.

While former champion Ilia Topuria vacated the belt to pursue bigger challenges at 155 lbs. He is now expected to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title. Despite his undefeated UFC record and consistent victories over ranked opponents, Movsar Evloev still hasn’t received a single title opportunity. This has led many fans and analysts alike to question the ethical foundation of the UFC’s matchmaking system. One fan didn’t hold back: “I don’t like Movsar—he is the most boring fighter in UFC! But he deserves a title fight!!” Another supporter backed Aljamain Sterling’s earlier comments, calling them: “Fact.”

With Yair Rodríguez’s name still in the conversation for another title shot—reportedly to please the Mexican fanbase—many believe the Russian is once again being sidelined. However, Alexander Volkanovski has already publicly acknowledged Movsar Evloev as a worthy challenger, and a December fight between the two is now rumored to be in the works. As one fan aptly stated: “He deserves it most.”

Do you agree with Aljamain Sterling’s claim that Movsar Evloev is being unfairly overlooked by Dana White and the UFC? Is it time he finally gets his shot at gold? Share your thoughts in the comments below.