Movsar Evloev has worse luck than Arman Tsarukyan, says UFC commentator

Could Movsar Evloev be in an even tougher spot than Arman Tsarukyan finds himself in?

Evloev has long been widely viewed as the rightful No. 1 contender for the UFC Featherweight Championship. That isn’t the case in the minds of UFC CEO Dana White and the promotion’s matchmakers. Evloev will have to wait his turn, as Diego Lopes is getting another fight with current 145-pound champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 325 on Saturday.

In a new video posted on his YouTube channel, UFC color commentator and Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier said that Evloev may have it worse than Tsarukyan (via MMAJunkie).

“Lord knows what’s going on with Movsar Evloev,” Cormier said. “There’s one guy getting done worse than freaking Arman Tsarukyan; it is Movsar Evloev. He hasn’t even gotten any type of traction towards a championship fight.”

During an interview with Sporting News Australia in late 2025, Volkanovski revealed the moment he knew Evloev wouldn’t be his next title challenger.

“I called for Movsar straight after the fight,” Volkanovski said. “I knew he was going to be fighting (Pico), then he pulled out. I knew he was meant to maybe postpone, and then he didn’t take it, and I’m like, ‘There goes your opportunity.’ So that wasn’t long before I knew that wasn’t going to happen. I feel for him in a sense where I know he definitely deserved it, that’s why I called for him, but I totally understand how this game works.”

Evloev hasn’t fought since scoring a unanimous decision victory over Aljamain Sterling in late 2024. After improving his pro MMA record to 19-0, Evloev missed all of 2025. He is rumored to be facing Lerone Murphy in March, but UFC has yet to confirm the matchup.

Who do you think Movsar Evloev will fight next? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.