Movsar Evloev had to fend off the critics after overcoming Lerone Murphy in a tight decision victory at UFC London.
In view of a hostile crowd at the O2 Arena in England, the Russian bettered his previously undefeated opponent, Lerone Murphy, claiming a unanimous decision victory on enemy territory. Despite being the first man to beat the Brit, likely setting himself up for a future title opportunity, the 32-year-old has been the target for criticism from his fellow featherweights.
After extending his record to a perfect 20-0, Movsar Evloev thanked Dana White and the UFC for the opportunity to face Murphy in the UK.
“Saturday night, I had so much fun inside the octagon, and I felt absolutely no pressure,” Evloev said in a post on social media. “It wasn’t easy getting there, but once I stepped inside, I felt like a kid in the park. I want to thank the UFC for giving me the opportunity to headline in such a big arena, and I can’t wait to do it again. Thank you, Dana White, Sean Shelby, [and] Mr. Hunter Campbell.”
Saturday night, I had so much fun inside the Octagon, and I felt absolutely no pressure. It wasn’t easy getting there, but once I stepped inside, I felt like a kid in the park. I want to thank the UFC for giving me the opportunity to headline in such a big arena, and I can’t wait…
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) March 23, 2026
Movsar Evloev later addressed his doubters’ comments. Many believe the mainstay in the 145 lbs division has done enough within the company to earn his first shot at UFC gold.
Learning his trade under the American Top Team banner, Evloev has won each of his 10 fights inside the octagon, beating some elite talent during that run. Determined to compete against Alexander Volkanovski and become the sixth name to hold the undisputed title in the division, Evloev has retaliated to the backlash he has received from his fellow fighters.
“This is for all my haters,” Evloev continued. “A couple of the opponents I beat had a lot to say bout me, and they weren’t very nice. A couple of the others were respectful. Either way, you love me or hate me, I’m going to be a champion, and you will not. I’m only focused on winners. Losers stay focused on winners, and you already lost.”
This is for all my haters. A couple of the opponents I beat had a lot to say about me, and they weren’t very nice. A couple of the others were respectful. Either way, love me or hate me, I’m going to be a champion, and you will not. I’m only focused on winners. Losers stay…
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) March 23, 2026
