A key featherweight bout is targeted for the first UFC pay-per-view of 2024.
At UFC 297 on Jan. 20, contenders [autotag]Arnold Allen[/autotag] (19-2 MMA, 10-1 UFC) and [autotag]Movsar Evloev[/autotag] (17-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) will collide in a three-round bout, pending finalization. While no location has been announced for the event, Toronto has been rumored as the frontrunner.
Two people with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie of the targeted booking but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. News of the matchup was first reported by Twitter user @judobetter995 with the date first reported by ING.fights.
Allen, 29, looks to bounce back from a loss to Max Holloway in April. Despite a five-round unanimous decision defeat, Allen was competitive and was cheered heavily by the Kansas City, Mo. crowd for his effort. The defeat was his first in the UFC and snapped a 12-fight winning streak.
Evloev, 29, is a former M-1 Global champion who’s struggled to find willing opponents in the UFC. Key victories include wins over Dan Ige and Hakeem Dawodu. He most recently competed in May when he defeated promotional newcomer and short-notice replacement Diego Lopes by unanimous decision.
No other fights have been announced for UFC 297 at this time.