Movsar Evloev beat Diego Lopes via unanimous decision at UFC 288. This featherweight bout came about after a lot of turbulence in the lead-up to UFC 288. The initial bout in the slot was between Bryce Mitchell and Jonathan Pearce. Evloev accepted to step in against Mitchell after Pearce dropped out due to an injury. Then, during fight week, Mitchell pulled out with an injury. So, on just five days’ notice, Diego Lopes stepped in to face the formidable Movsar Evloev.

This was Lopes’ first UFC fight. the Brazilian was on a two-fight win streak as he came into UFC 288. The 28-year-old stood to gain a ranking from his first fight as he took on the #10 ranked Evloev.

Movsar Evloev came into the fight as a huge favorite. The 29-year-old Russian had amassed a massive 16-0 win streak prior to UFC 288- six of those came in the UFC, albeit without a finish. Hence, the odds were justifiable. Having taken the fight on relatively short notice himself, Evloev could have kept his spot on the rankings or even climb up a few spots with a win.

Fans react to Evloev vs. Lopes at UFC 288

Despite being a short-notice affair, Lopes vs. Evloev was one of the most exciting fights at UFC 288. The Brazilian showed no signs of short-notice disadvantages as he took the fight to Evloev in the first round. The experienced Evloev was able to withstand the onslaught but Lopes was a threat on the feet and the ground.

He was finding success against the Russian, landing shots and constantly hunting for submissions on his back. Evloev had more success from the top after he took the fight to the ground. Round two started off similarly, as Lopes landed a few clean shots on the feet. However, it was all Movsar after he secured a takedown and pounded on the Brazilian.

Lopes tried to make a comeback in the third hunting for multiple submissions and even locking in a kneebar at the end of the third. However, Evloev stayed composed throughout the whole affair and defended all of those submissions.

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Fans on Twitter showed their appreciation for both fighters after Evloev picked up the unanimous decision win. However, some fans and fighters did not agree with a 30-27 scorecard for Evloev. Among them was UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.

Do you guys agree with the scorecard? What did you guys think of Evloev vs. Lopes? What do you make of Adesanya’s remark? Let us know in the comments below.