Russian UFC featherweight contender Movsar Evloev has firmly denied swirling rumours that he will withdraw from the UFC London main event next week, asserting he remains fully committed to facing Britain's Lerone Murphy at the O2 Arena.
Evloev Addresses Visa Concerns and Injury Layoff
Evloev, who has not competed since December 2024 due to injuries, took to Telegram on Thursday to quash reports suggesting visa issues could force him out of the highly anticipated bout. The 32-year-old wrote, "Don't listen to unreliable sources. Everything's fine with the visa. We're going for victory." This statement comes amid widespread speculation that his prolonged absence from the Octagon might extend further.
Title Eliminator Stakes and Fighter Records
The clash between Evloev and Murphy is widely viewed as a title eliminator in the featherweight division, with the winner potentially next in line for champion Alexander Volkanovski. Evloev holds an undefeated record of 19-0 and is ranked number one at 145lb, while Murphy, 34, enters on a nine-fight win streak with an overall record of 17-0-1 and is ranked third. Murphy's last outing in August saw him knock out Aaron Pico with a stunning spinning back elbow, whereas Evloev's most recent fight was a narrow points victory over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.
Silva's Comments Fuel Speculation
Rumours of Evloev's potential withdrawal were only intensified by a video from Jean Silva, the UFC's sixth-ranked featherweight. Speaking via his Instagram story, Silva appeared to hint at significant news, stating, "I'm the next champion and you're going to have to see this." Some interpreted this as a suggestion he might replace Evloev in London, while others speculated it could relate to a future title fight with Volkanovski.
Murphy Remains Unfazed and Focused
Despite the uncertainty, Lerone Murphy appeared undeterred, sharing a video of himself training in the gym just nine days before his third UFC main event. The Manchester fighter has maintained his focus, showcasing his preparation for what promises to be a pivotal matchup in his career.
Silva's Recent Activities and Background
Jean Silva, 29, competed as recently as this week in a grappling match against Bryce Mitchell, which ended in a draw. This followed Silva's knockout victory over Mitchell in the UFC eleven months prior. His most recent UFC bout was a close decision win against Murphy's compatriot Arnold Allen in January, adding another layer of intrigue to the featherweight division's dynamics.
As the fight date approaches, all eyes will be on the O2 Arena to see if Evloev and Murphy deliver on their promise of an unbeaten showdown, with title implications hanging in the balance.
