ALI ABDELAZIZ HINTS AT VOLKANOVSKI-EVLOEV TITLE FIGHT

Ali Abdelaziz, manager of UFC fighters including Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, posted a message on X featuring the name Movsar Evloev alongside multiple gold medal emojis on 6 August 2026. The post contained no caption or explanation. Many observers interpreted the message as indicating that Evloev, an undefeated featherweight ranked No. 1 by the UFC, would receive a title fight against champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Evloev improved his professional record to 20 wins and 0 losses following a victory over Lerone Murphy at UFC London in March. He subsequently stated on social media that a bout with Volkanovski had already been signed, though the UFC did not make an official announcement. Volkanovski acknowledged in a YouTube video that a fight with Evloev appeared likely, stating: "It's not locked in, but you know, it's pretty obvious it's probably gonna be Movsar." Volkanovski revealed he was preparing for Evloev's wrestling-focused style by conducting grappling sessions and live sparring rounds.

Evloev's record includes victories over several elite competitors: Diego Lopes, Dan Ige, Arnold Allen, Aljamain Sterling, and Lerone Murphy. The UFC has not officially confirmed the proposed title fight between Volkanovski and Evloev. No date or venue for such a bout has been announced.