Today (Mon., July 14, 2025), multiple sources have reported that No. 2-ranked Featherweight and disliked Movsar Evloev has withdrawn from next weekend’s stacked UFC Abu Dhabi fight card due to an “injury or health condition” sustained while training in Thailand for his five-round co-main event bout against UFC newcomer Aaron Pico.
Red Corner MMA was the first to report the news.
The current plan is to rebook the fight for UFC 319 in Chicago, though nothing is confirmed.
For what it’s worth, this
marks the 11th canceled UFC bout involving Evloev, although he has personally withdrawn from only four.
Movsar Evloev has not had two fights in a row without a cancellation in between since 2021 pic.twitter.com/pBfpSTmSSL
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) July 14, 2025
This is, without a doubt, a crushing blow to Evloev, who, according to UFC CEO Dana White, was “likely” next in line to face Alexander Volkanovski with a win—despite the champion expressing interest in the matchup.
The undefeated Russian (19-0) has been sidelined since his unanimous decision victory over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 following a win against Arnold Allen.
Pico (13-4) is one of the UFC’s most high-profile signings in recent years, carrying significant hype since transitioning to mixed martial arts (MMA).
To checkout the latest UFC Abu Dhabi fight card and ABC lineup click here.
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