At UFC 314, not only did we see a 36-year-old Alexander Volkanovski beat the rising talent in Diego Lopes, but we also saw Patricio Pitbull‘s debut in the UFC. But his debut didn’t go according to his plans, as his opponent of the night, Yair Rodriguez, put on a masterclass and earned the unanimous decision victory.

‘El Pantera’ has been vocal about his rematch with Volkanovski ever since his TKO loss to the Aussie at UFC 290. Rodriguez once shared his ambition to bring a major UFC event to Guadalajara, Mexico, stating, “I think it makes sense for the UFC to bring a huge event, numbered event in Guadalajara. I think Volkanovski will be able to run it back with me. I think he will be happy to do that.” Rumors suggest his wishes might come true at UFC 320.

But despite Rodriguez’s enthusiasm, the proposed rematch has received a lukewarm response from the UFC fanbase. Adding to the complexity, the featherweight division boasts several rising stars eager for their chance at the title. One name rising through the ranks and tearing through the division has won the hearts of the fanbase. With an undefeated record of 19-0 and a 9-fight win streak, many consider Movsar Evloev the true next challenger to Volkanovski’s throne.

The Russian fighter holds wins over Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, and even Diego Lopes, Volkanovski’s challenger at UFC 316. Fans express concern over the swirling rumors about the proposed matchup for UFC 320. They anticipated Evloev would finally receive his title shot against Volkanovski, but rumors indicate that the featherweight title bout at UFC 320 will feature Yair Rodriguez and Alexander Volkanovski.

Fans expected the fight after Volk called out Evloev in his UFC 314 post-fight speech, “I do like that undefeated record… I’d love to take that 0, especially for legacy and where I’m at… Movsar, I think is still gonna be up there, I can see him being a problem for a while. I go take him out and he keeps building his resume, to have that name on my resume would be good.” But it seems that the UFC has other plans.

On a recent post shared on Instagram by an MMA super-fan account, this dilemma was discussed. The post read, “I keep hearing about a rematch in the works for #UFCNoche … Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez 2 🤔 I remember Yair Rodriguez saying the UFC promised him the title shot with a win over Pitbull in his last bout. Are we raging for Movsar Evloev?” And the fans made sure their answers were heard loud and clear.

Despite the rumors of a potential fight between Rodriguez and Volkanovski, fans united to put the case of Movsar Evloev ahead. They talked about his resume, his abilities, and his title contention as the fans rejected ‘Volk’s fight with Rodriguez.

“This fight wasn’t even close the first time”- Fans reject Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez rematch, rally behind Movsar Evloev

One fan commented in an angered tone, “Who actually wants to see this fight? Nobody right?” As another one joined him, saying, “Yair vs diego, Volk vs movsar, Cmon man.” One by one, fans made it clear they’d seen this fight already—and they don’t want a rematch. While backing Movsar for a title shot, another fan proposed a different card. He wrote: “Volk mosvar co main Diego vs Yair. 

One fan even put together a case of why Yair Rodriguez deserves the fight, he said, “If we’re being honest, Movsar hasn’t beaten a top 5 guy (maybe Arnold Allen at the time but that was 2024) and lopes 2 years ago wasn’t where he is now. Yair on the other hand is literally 1-2 with a win against an unranked Patricio. Movsar Vs Yair for the title fight.” Proposing a title eliminator between Rodriguez and Evloev first and the winner could face Volkanovski.

But support for Evloev as the rightful contender dominated the comments. One furious fan, reacting to the rumor of Evloev being passed over, commented, “If evloev diesnt get the title shot then get rid of rankings.” while another commented, “UFC has completely gone to sh**. They dgaf about real match-ups anymore.” So, from this, the question arises: will the UFC listen to the voice of the fans?

While that remains a mystery, for the fans, the news of relief will be that nothing is official yet. The chances of Yair Rodriguez welcoming Alexander Volkanovski in Mexico for their rematch are likely, but the advocacy for Evloev is strong too. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.