The unbeaten Russian featherweight has moved to shut down speculation that could derail one of the year's most anticipated title eliminators.
Movsar Evloev has moved to quash speculation that visa complications could prevent him competing at UFC Fight Night odds in London on March 21, posting a direct denial on Telegram just eight days from his main event bout against Lerone Murphy at The O2 Arena.
The unbeaten Russian featherweight addressed the circulating rumours with a pointed statement: "Don't listen to unreliable sources. Everything's fine with the visa. We're going for victory."
The denial arrived after social media speculation spread suggesting his entry into the United Kingdom could be blocked, raising serious questions over the headline bout's future.
A Title Eliminator Between Two Unbeaten Rivals
The stakes in this matchup are as high as they come in the UFC featherweight weight division. Evloev, ranked first at 145 pounds, holds a 19-0 professional record and returns after a lengthy layoff following injuries sustained after his last bout in December 2024.
His opponent Murphy - Manchester-based and ranked third in the division - is 17-0-1 and riding a nine-fight winning streak, last seen knocking out Aaron Pico via spinning back elbow in August last year.
Two-time featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski sits at the top of the division, and the winner of this main event is widely expected to earn the next title shot. That prospect has raised the card's profile considerably in the weeks leading up to fight night. For those looking to bet on UFC, this title eliminator presents one of the most intriguing matchups of the year.
The visa speculation gained additional traction when sixth-ranked featherweight Jean Silva posted cryptic social media messages hinting at upcoming announcements.
Some in MMA circles interpreted this as Silva positioning himself either as a potential Evloev replacement or for a direct shot at Volkanovski. Silva has not elaborated further on the posts.
Card Changes and What to Watch at The O2
The London card has already absorbed one notable reshuffle before fight week even began. Mick Parkin has been removed from the bill and replaced by promotional newcomer Felipe Franco in a late addition that drew attention across the sport.
The main card also features Michael Page against Sam Patterson at welterweight, Roman Dolidze facing Christian Leroy Duncan at middleweight, Iwo Baraniewski meeting Austen Lane at UFC light heavyweight weight, and Luke Riley taking on Michael Aswell Jr. in a featherweight contest. Eight bouts fill out a prelim card that includes Nathaniel Wood and Mason Jones among its headliners.
The main card streams live on DAZN, with preliminary bouts available on UFC Fight Pass. Action at The O2 Arena in London gets underway at 7 AM AEDT on Sunday, March 22.
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