Tag: Movsar Evloev

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Dec. 10: Alexandre Pantoja surges in pound-for-pound

Check out the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings following UFC 310.

UFC 310 took place Saturday in Las Vegas and the promotion’s flyweight champion made a statement in the marquee.

Titleholder [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] made it look relatively easy against debuting Japanese star [autotag]Kai Asakura[/autotag], as he notched another title defense. Pantoja submitted Asakura by second-round rear-naked choke. As a result, Pantoja jumped a massive five spots in the USA Today/MMA Junkie rankings.

Additionally, contenders [autotag]Shavkat Rakhmonov[/autotag] and [autotag]Movsar Evloev[/autotag] inched upward as a result of their impressive wins over Ian Machado Garry and Aljamain Sterling.

Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings.

Movsar Evloev won’t beg Dana White for title shot after UFC 310, will keep winning ‘even to 100-0’

Movsar Evloev vows to keep adding to his undefeated record until the UFC is left with no choice but to give him a title shot.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Movsar Evloev[/autotag] won’t complain about his long road to a featherweight title shot and is embracing his position more than ever after UFC 310.

Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) added the biggest win of his career thus far to his undefeated record on Saturday when he outworked UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling to a unanimous decision in their featherweight bout at T-Mobile Arena.

Given his resume now includes Sterling and the likes of Arnold Allen, Diego Lopes and Dan Ige, it would be easy to grant Evloev a shot at reigning 145-pound champ Ilia Topuria. It doesn’t seem like he’s at the forefront of that conversation, though, and Evloev is OK with that.

“I don’t care, honestly,” Evloev told MMA Junkie and other reports of a title shot after UFC 310. “If (Dana White is) thinking I don’t deserve the title, just give me another fight. I will keep winning, even to 100-0. And then maybe they will think about a title shot for me.

“Let’s move forward. I think I deserve the title shot. If not, just give me another fighter. I’m not going to wait for another year to fight again. Just two months maybe and I am ready to fight.”

Before Topuria became champion, Evloev was scheduled to fight him at UFC 270 in January 2022, but was forced to withdraw due to illness. Both men have continued to win since then, with Topuria claiming the belt in February with a knockout of Alexander Volkanovski then defending it for the first time in October when he stopped Max Holloway with strikes.

Evloev said he holds Topuria in high regard, but he likes his chances of taking the belt.

“I think he’s a great fighter,” Evloev said. “I think everybody thinking that after he dropped a couple of legends. He is strong and his wrestling is good. Striking is amazing. But like I said, I’m the only one in the featherweight division who can stop him. I have enough power and will to stop this guy. Nothing but respect for this guy. All I need from him is his title.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.

UFC 310 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: 2024 total passes $8 million

The UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program has now paid out more than $8 million to athletes in 2024 under the Venum deal.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 310 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $368,500.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC 310 took place at T-Mobile Arena. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

The full UFC 310 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag]: $42,000
def. [autotag]Kai Asakura[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Shavkat Rakhmonov[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Ian Machado Garry[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Ciryl Gane[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Alexander Volkov[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Bryce Mitchell[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Kron Gracie[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Dooho Choi[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Nate Landwehr[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Dominick Reyes[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Anthony Smith[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Vicente Luque[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Themba Gorimbo[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Movsar Evloev[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Aljamain Sterling[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Bryan Battle[/autotag]: $6,000
[autotag]Randy Brown[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Eryk Anders[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Chris Weidman[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Joshua Van[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Cody Durden[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Michael Chiesa[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Max Griffin[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Chase Hooper[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Clay Guida[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Kennedy Nzechukwu[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Lukasz Brzeski[/autotag]: $6,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $8,072,000
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $30,809,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.

UFC 310 results: Movsar Evloev outscrambles Aljamain Sterling to remain undefeated

Movsar Evloev prevailed in a battle of high-level grapplers against former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling on the UFC 310 prelims.

[autotag]Movsar Evloev[/autotag] is still undefeated after a high-paced grappling battle against former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling on the prelims of UFC 310.

The UFC-ranked top 10 matchup was one of the event’s most anticipated bouts, and it delivered with an exhausting pace of wrestling scrambles. After 15 minutes at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) maintained his unblemished record by winning a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) over Sterling (24-5 MMA, 16-5 UFC).

Sterling looked to set the tone early with quick, darting strikes. In this matchup between fantastic grapplers, Sterling was also the first to shoot in to bring the fight to the mat, eventually finding his way to Evloev’s back near the fence. After getting lifted and returned to the mat, Evloev escaped to take top position for a few moments of offense.

A well-timed level change in the opening exchange scored a nice takedown for Sterling early in Round 2, but Evloev was able to scramble and reverse the position. Just when Evloev appeared settled in, Sterling exploded back to his feet. After exchanging punches, Evloev got the fight to the ground where more wild scrambles unfolded until the horn.

With the fight seemingly tied going into the final round, Sterling came out quickly again, bringing the fight to the canvas. Sterling landed another big slam, but with just under two minutes to go, Evloev reversed the position and maintained control while adding punches until the fight concluded.

During his post-fight interview, Evloev, 30, said he hoped the win would be enough to earn a title shot. He entered with wins over top names such as Dan Ige, Diego Lopes and Arnold Allen. Sterling, 35, suffers his first defeat at 145 pounds.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 310 results include:

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.

UFC 310 preview: What’s at stake in key matchups at 2024’s final pay-per-view?

UFC will close out its 2024 PPV schedule in style with a UFC 310, and there’s a number of compelling storylines across the lineup.

[anyclip-media thumbnail=”undefined” playlistId=”undefined” content=”dW5kZWZpbmVk”][/anyclip-media]The UFC’s 2024 pay-per-view schedule comes to a conclusion on Saturday with UFC 310, which goes down at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN2, ESPN+).

Although it doesn’t feature the biggest stars on the roster, there are a number of compelling bouts on tap – from the flyweight title headliner of [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Kai Asakura[/autotag] to the welterweight title eliminator co-main event of [autotag]Shavkat Rakhmonov[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Ian Machado Garry[/autotag] to the key heavyweight matchup of [autotag]Ciryl Gane[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Alexander Volkov[/autotag]. And there are other notable pairings, including [autotag]Movsar Evloev[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Aljamain Sterling[/autotag], [autotag]Randy Brown[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Bryan Battle[/autotag] and more.

There’s much on the line across the 14-bout card, and the “Spinning Back Clique” panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Matthew Wells and Mike Bohn joined host “Gorgeous” George Garcia on this week’s episode of the roundtable show to break down the most important storylines.

Check out the video above for the complete UFC 310 preview, or watch below for the entire episode of “Spinning Back Clique.”

https://www.youtube.com/live/QS2G4RQdRo0

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.

Aljamain Sterling sees title implications on the line for UFC 310 fight vs. Movsar Evloev

Despite being on the prelims, Aljamain Sterling believes his fight with Movsar Evloev at UFC 310 has a lot on the line.

LAS VEGAS – Despite landing on the prelims, [autotag]Aljamain Sterling[/autotag] feels he has a very consequential fight at UFC 310.

The former UFC bantamweight champion takes on undefeated featherweight contender [autotag]Movsar Evloev[/autotag] in what many have labeled an under-the-radar fight in the final UFC pay-per-view of the year (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN2, Hulu, ESPN+) – which takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

Sterling (24-4 MMA, 16-4 UFC) is aware there are other names angling to get a shot at the belt, but believes his name will be in that discussion if he beats Evloev (18-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC).

“The path (to the title) is dominate Movsar,” Sterling said at Wednesday’s UFC 310 media day. “I dominate Movsar, and I think I take care of a lot of issues outside of things I can’t really control. I can only control my performance. The UFC is going to say who they want to fight for the belt next, and hopefully, it gives me a shot if I go out there and do a great job and win.”

Sterling is looking to put two consecutive wins together now at 145 pounds. After losing his bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley in August 2023, Sterling moved up a division, and defeated long-time veteran Calvin Kattar.

“Funk Master” likes the matchup with Evloev, and believes the fans are in for an exciting contest.

“It’s going to be a grappler’s delight, but maybe it ends up in a striking affair – which would be fun for everybody,” Sterling said. “I think it’s a win-win for both of our careers because of people calling either of us boring and title implications on the line.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.

Movsar Evloev thinks UFC 310 card placement actually a good thing: ‘People are confused’

Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling takes place on the UFC 310 prelims – below two unranked matchups in the same division.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Movsar Evloev[/autotag] appreciates his fans but thinks the criticism of his UFC 310 card placement is a bit silly.

Saturday, Evloev (18-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) takes on Aljamain Sterling (24-4 MMA, 16-4 UFC) at T-Mobile Arena, in a bout many thought could solidify a featherweight title challenger. That’s why many fans were surprised to see it on the prelims, below two un-ranked matchups in the same division.

“I think we’re on prelims because of (Sterling), but I don’t care. Same money. Nobody cares,” Evloev told MMA Junkie and other reporters Wednesday. “Maybe it’s even better to stay on the prelims on this card because more people will watch our fight. … Another time that people will be able to figure out who is the next contender for the belt.”

Evloev said the placement makes no difference. He didn’t seem to the think it indicates the UFC brass is thinking any lesser about the bout’s implications in the division.

“People are confused about this because we’re not on main card,” Evloev said. “I can understand them, but I don’t really care. This is the same: three rounds, five minutes, same money, same guy. When I step in the cage, I see nothing outside. I’m focused on my opponent. For me, it doesn’t matter. … For my people, it’s not a big difference. They will root for me anyway, even if I fight down the street.”

As for the task in front of him, Evloev expects to woo the fans. He also clarified his jab at Sterling’s style was a joke and that he thinks two wrestlers being matched could result in a fun fight.

“I don’t think that this fight is going to be boring because his style and my style is like when two wrestlers fight each other,” Evloev said. “It’s always a good fight.”

Evloev made his case for a title shot, should he win. Hearing the rumors of Ilia Topuria vs. Alexander Volanovski 2 that are floating out there, Evloev questioned the necessity of that fight.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to fight with Volkanovski again,” Evloev said. “Volkanovski is a legend. He’s done and Max Holloway also. They’ve been good fighters for a long time. But time is gone. Fresh blood is here. Let me prove that I’m champion.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.

UFC 310 adds Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling rescheduled bout

A key UFC featherweight bout is back on the 2024 schedule.

[autotag]Movsar Evloev[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Aljamain Sterling[/autotag] is back on the books – and it’ll happen before the end of 2024 (barring further unforeseen circumstances).

The key featherweight fight now takes place Dec. 14 at UFC 310 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the promotion announced Friday.

Evloev (18-8 MMA, 8-0 UFC) vs. Sterling (24-4 MMA, 16-4 UFC) was initially scheduled for UFC 307 on Oct. 5, but was canceled due to a shoulder injury to the latter. Evloev was later removed from the card.

The bout is an important one at 145 pounds with both fighters at the top of the division. Sterling debuted at UFC 300 in April and defeated Calvin Kattar. The bout was his first since his UFC bantamweight title reign came to an end vs. Sean O’Malley in August 2023.

Evloev has yet to lose in the UFC. He holds wins over Arnold Allen and Diego Lopes among others.

With the addition, the UFC 310 lineup includes:

  • Aljamain Sterling vs. Movsar Evloev
  • Dominick Reyes vs. Anthony Smith
  • Virna Jandiroba vs. Tatiana Suarez
  • Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov
  • Clay Guida vs. Chase Hooper
  • Michael Chiesa vs. Max Griffin

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.

Aljamain Sterling open to Diego Lopes if Movsar Evloev rebooking falls through

“If I’m going to risk it for the biscuit, that’s the guy I would risk it with,” Aljamain Sterling said of Diego Lopes.

[autotag]Aljamain Sterling[/autotag] has another top UFC featherweight contender in mind if he doesn’t end up fighting [autotag]Movsar Evloev[/autotag].

Former bantamweight champion Sterling (24-4 MMA, 16-4 UFC) was forced out of his UFC 307 bout vs. Evloev (18-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) on Oct. 5 due to an injury. Evloev wanted to remain on the card but withdrew after a replacement couldn’t be found.

If the UFC doesn’t rebook him against Evloev at a later date, Sterling is interested in [autotag]Diego Lopes[/autotag] (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC), whom he praised for the way he’s risen.

“I think Diego rising to his stardom and his rise in the sport in the UFC has been huge. It’s nothing short of inspiring, to be honest,” Sterling told The Schmo. “I’m happy for the guy. I got to train with him one time. He was a very nice dude, very polite. I can kind of feel the tension shift a little bit now whenever I see him.

“It seems like there’s a little bit more tension there. It’s not like I’m fighting him tomorrow or he’s my next scheduled fight. So for me, I don’t really see a point in being like that. But I can understand why he’s a little bit more on guard when seeing me or meeting me.”

Sterling sees red-hot Lopes, who’s fresh off battering Brian Ortega at UFC 306, as the opponent to catapult him to title contention.

“If we’re talking about the next best fight, if Movsar declines, I just don’t know who else would he fight,” Sterling said. “But if he gives me the option, I’ve always wanted Brian Ortega, so I could get the closest spot to the top, and now that next closest guy is Diego Lopes.

“That’s all it is. It has nothing to do with what this guy did or that. It’s the name value and what it gets me, risk vs. reward. If I’m going to risk it for the biscuit, that’s the guy I would risk it with.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 307.

Bryce Mitchell open to Movsar Evloev fight – but not on short notice: ‘There’s not a bigger draw’

Bryce Mitchell is willing to step up against Movsar Evloev, but he wants time.

[autotag]Bryce Mitchell[/autotag] is willing to step up against [autotag]Movsar Evloev[/autotag], but he wants time.

Evloev (18-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) needs a new opponent for UFC 307 on Oct. 5 after Aljamain Sterling withdrew due to injury. Mitchell is down for the fight, but as long as he gets time to prep.

However, Mitchell (16-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) won’t make the mistake of taking another short-notice fight after he got knocked out cold by Josh Emmett at UFC 296 in December.

“(Sterling) hurt his elbow,” Mitchell told The Schmo. “You know what happened last time I took one on short notice. It was ugly. I’m wise enough to respect that I need a little bit more training. I want that fight. Give me two months, I’m down. That’s all I need.

“Two months, and I think that’s fair to ask. And if he really wants that fight, two months is not that long of a wait for what they’re paying him. He can survive two more months without a paycheck. I think he should fight me in two months.”

Mitchell clarifies that he wouldn’t take the fight away from Sterling, and would only fight Evloev if the unbeaten contender wasn’t willing to wait for too long. The pair were scheduled to fight on two occasions – UFC Fight Night 214, then UFC 288, but both fell apart.

“But also, I don’t want to take the fight from Aljo,” Mitchell said. “I wouldn’t take the fight from Aljo. I’m buddies with Aljo. So if Aljo don’t want to fight him in a couple of months because he needs more time and they need somebody, I’m the dude.

“There’s not a bigger draw. Who else are you going to get to fight Movsar that will fill up seats? Let’s be realistic: I’m going to bring the people there. People want to see me fight Movsar, I want to kick his ass because he’s being a little b*stard to me.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 307.