Most fans assume that an undefeated record would be a golden ticket to a title shot in the UFC. And while that may hold true in the world of boxing, the UFC has its own set of rules, and an unblemished record alone isn’t enough to guarantee a championship fight. Just ask 18-0 featherweight sensation Movsar Evloev. Despite his flawless resume, the Russian star recently shed light on what it really takes to catch Dana White’s eye and earn a shot at UFC gold.

Evloev is gearing up for a highly anticipated showdown against former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, and the buildup has been nothing short of fiery. During a recent interview, Evloev didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room: why he still hasn’t been considered for a title fight, despite his undefeated run.

He pointed to Dana White’s comments after his last bout against Arnold Allen, acknowledging that it’s not just about winning fights—it’s about putting on performances that leave a lasting impression. In a promotion where marketability and highlight-reel finishes can fast-track fighters to title contention, Evloev knows there’s more to it than just a perfect record. But as he prepares for his next test against Sterling, Evloev seems ready to prove that he’s not just a fighter with a clean slate—he’s a force deserving of a championship shot.

With the heat between him and Sterling already at a boiling point, UFC fans are eager to see if Evloev can make the kind of statement that will finally put him in the conversation for a title fight.

Movsar Evloev claims Dana White wants to see fighters get finishes

Movsar Evloev’s fight against Arnold Allen received a rather disappointing response from Dana White from the Russian star’s point of view. “That was the least fun fight anybody’s ever seen,” that’s what the UFC CEO had to say about that fight. But when Evloev rolled back the tapes and watched his fight, he found nothing wrong, and he couldn’t seem to understand why White didn’t enjoy that matchup.

“Every time I watch my fight again, like, I think, ‘Oh, it’s pretty good, like a high-level fight… [I don’t know] why he thinks like that,” Movsar Evloev told ‘MMA Fighting’. Thereafter, he revealed that what Dana White wants is to see an exciting end to a fight. Whether it’s a knockout or submission, the key to landing in the title scene is to earn a finish, which is not only fun for the UFC CEO but also for the fans. Hence, the 18-0 star is ready to make a statement against Aljamain Sterling.

“I don’t wanna think about this… They [the UFC] need finishes. I can give them finishes. Next fight, I will finish Sterling in the first round,” Movsar Evloev added. “Doesn’t matter [whether it’s] on the ground or striking. Now, I am looking for this so check my words.”

While Movsar Evloev attempts to capture Dana White’s with a finish at UFC 307, his rivalry with Aljamain Sterling has heated up so much that he has sent a promise to the former champion. And that was his response to ‘Funk Master’ for accusing him of using PEDs.

‘Punishment’ incoming for ‘Aljo’

An athlete never wants anything to do with allegations of cheating or using banned substances to gain an edge over the opponents. In combat sports where PED use is a frequent occurrence, it’s even worse for fighters to get labeled with a negative tag. Movsar Evloev is also not very happy with Aljamain Sterling’s accusations against him, which compelled him to send a warning to ‘Funk Master’ of what’s to come when they get inside the Octagon.

“Where I’m from, making false accusations like that won’t go well for you. But I’ll be a businessman—I’ll punish you and get paid for it. Just don’t pull out,” Movsar Evloev tweeted a couple of weeks ago. It seems like Dana White has a good rivalry at hand with these two 145’ers, and maybe this could be the chance for both of them to impress the boss and move into the title picture.

What do you think should be the criteria for fighters to earn a title shot? Let us know in the comments.