Evloev says Volkanovski 'done' as UFC contender: 'Fresh blood is here'

LAS VEGAS - Movsar Evloev is cautioning the UFC against pairing up featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and former champ Alexander Volkanovski again.

Evloev, who meets Aljamain Sterling in a pivotal 145-pound fight at UFC 310 on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena, said Wednesday he believes Volkanovski is past his prime and doesn't belong in another title fight with Topuria.

"I don't think that's a good idea to fight with Volkanovski again," Evloev told reporters, including theScore, at UFC 310 media day. "Volkanovski is a legend, but he's done. Max Holloway also. They have been good fighters for a long time. But time is gone. Fresh blood is here."

Topuria knocked out Volkanovski, who held the title for over four years, at UFC 298 in February to become the new champion. Topuria made his first defense against former champ Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October, scoring another knockout victory.

UFC CEO Dana White said after that fight that he planned to give Volkanovski a rematch with Topuria. But Evloev - ranked No. 5 in the division - wants his fight against Sterling to decide the next title challenger instead.

"Let me prove that I'm champion," Evloev said.

The undefeated Russian has long been considered one of the division's dark horses. He's won eight in a row since making his UFC debut in 2019, but his performances haven't attracted a ton of interest.

In fact, his fight against Sterling, a former bantamweight champion and the No. 9-ranked featherweight, is scheduled to take place on Saturday's preliminary card. Evloev isn't bothered by the matchup's placement, but he thinks "Funk Master" is to blame.

"I think we are on prelims because of him," Evloev said. "But I don't care. Same money. Nobody cares. Maybe even better to stay on the prelims for this card, because more people will watch our fight. So people will be able to find out who is the next contender for the belt."