Career Timeline of Movsar Evloev: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Movsar Evloev built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Movsar Magomedovich Evloev is a Russian professional mixed martial artist, currently competing in the Featherweight division of the UFC. He is a former M-1 Global bantamweight champion. As of July 15, 2025, he holds the #1 ranking in the UFC featherweight division, underscoring his success and prominence in the sport since turning professional in 2014.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: Professional MMA Debut

In 2014, Movsar Evloev began his professional career as a mixed martial artist.

April 22, 2017: M-1 Global Interim Bantamweight Championship Win

On April 22, 2017, Movsar Evloev defeated Alexey Nevzorov by knockout in the second round to win the M-1 Global Interim Bantamweight Championship.

July 22, 2017: M-1 Global Bantamweight Championship Unification

On July 22, 2017, Movsar Evloev defeated Pavel Vitruk by unanimous decision to unify the M-1 Global Bantamweight Championship.

February 2018: First Title Defense Against Sergey Morozov

In February 2018, Movsar Evloev successfully defended his title against Sergey Morozov, winning by rear-naked choke in the third round.

July 21, 2018: Title Defense Against Rafael Dias

On July 21, 2018, Movsar Evloev defended his title against Rafael Dias, winning by knockout in the fifth round.

April 20, 2019: UFC Debut Win Against Seung Woo Choi

On April 20, 2019, Movsar Evloev made his UFC debut against Seung Woo Choi after Muin Gafurov withdrew, winning by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Oleinik.

August 31, 2019: Opponent Changes at UFC Fight Night 157

On August 31, 2019, Movsar Evloev was scheduled to face Mike Grundy at UFC Fight Night 157. However, Grundy withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Zhenhong Lu, who also withdrew hours before the fight due to a cut.

October 26, 2019: UFC Win Against Enrique Barzola

On October 26, 2019, Movsar Evloev faced Enrique Barzola at UFC Fight Night 162 and won the fight by unanimous decision.

March 7, 2020: Withdrawal from UFC 248

On March 7, 2020, Movsar Evloev was slated to face Douglas Silva de Andrade at UFC 248, but Andrade pulled out and was replaced by Jamall Emmers. However, Evloev himself pulled out of the contest for unknown reasons.

July 26, 2020: UFC Win Against Mike Grundy

On July 26, 2020, Movsar Evloev faced Mike Grundy at UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Till and won the fight by unanimous decision.

December 5, 2020: Bout Cancellation due to COVID-19

On December 5, 2020, Movsar Evloev's bout against Nate Landwehr at UFC on ESPN 19 was cancelled after Evloev tested positive for COVID-19.

January 24, 2021: UFC 257 Victory Over Nik Lentz

On January 24, 2021, Movsar Evloev faced Nik Lentz at UFC 257, replacing Mike Grundy, and won the fight via split decision.

June 12, 2021: UFC 263 Win Against Hakeem Dawodu

On June 12, 2021, Movsar Evloev faced Hakeem Dawodu at UFC 263 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

January 22, 2022: Withdrawal from UFC 270 Due to COVID-19

On January 22, 2022, Movsar Evloev was expected to face Ilia Topuria at UFC 270, but he withdrew from the bout after testing positive for COVID-19 and was replaced by Charles Jourdain.

June 4, 2022: UFC Fight Night 207 Victory Over Dan Ige

On June 4, 2022, Movsar Evloev faced Dan Ige at UFC Fight Night 207 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

November 5, 2022: Withdrawal from UFC Fight Night 214

On November 5, 2022, Movsar Evloev was scheduled to face Bryce Mitchell at UFC Fight Night 214 as the first bout of his new multi-fight contract. However, Evloev withdrew in mid-October due to an injury.

May 6, 2023: UFC 288 Win Against Diego Lopes and Fight of the Night Award

On May 6, 2023, Movsar Evloev faced Diego Lopes at UFC 288 after Bryce Mitchell withdrew due to an injury. Evloev defeated Lopes via unanimous decision, earning the Fight of the Night award.

January 20, 2024: UFC 297 Victory Over Arnold Allen

On January 20, 2024, Movsar Evloev faced Arnold Allen at UFC 297. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

October 5, 2024: Aljamain Sterling Withdraws From UFC 307

On October 5, 2024, Aljamain Sterling withdrew from his scheduled fight against Movsar Evloev at UFC 307 due to an injury sustained in sparring.

December 7, 2024: UFC 310 Victory Over Aljamain Sterling

On December 7, 2024, Movsar Evloev faced Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310, after their originally scheduled bout was cancelled, and won the fight by unanimous decision.

May 17, 2025: Potential Bout Against Aaron Pico

On May 17, 2025, Movsar Evloev was reportedly going to face Aaron Pico at UFC Fight Night 256; however, the bout did not come to fruition.

July 15, 2025: UFC Featherweight Ranking

On July 15, 2025, Movsar Evloev was ranked #1 in the UFC featherweight division.

July 26, 2025: Withdrawal from UFC on ABC 9

On July 26, 2025, Movsar Evloev had to withdraw from his scheduled fight against Aaron Pico at UFC on ABC 9 due to an injury, under two weeks prior to the event.