NEWARK, N.J.– Movsar Evloev had his work cut out for him Saturday in New Jersey. Evloev (17-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC), the most significant preferred on the card at UFC 288 in Newark, required 15 minutes to outpoint featherweight marketing beginner Diego Lopes (21-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC), who actioned in for Bryce Mitchell on simply a couple of days’ notification– and put the unbeaten Evloev in some precarious positions with submission efforts throughout the battle. “I was believing, ‘I will complete this man,'” Evloev stated at his post-fight press conference. “Every second, I was working for that. That kid was difficult. He’s a difficult challenger. He’s unsafe on the ground and he has heavy punches. It was a huge danger for me.” Evloev was as much as a 10-1 wagering preferred at Prudential Center, however needed to leave with a 30-27 scorecard and a set of 29-28s. The bout was UFC 288’s Fight of the Night, which deserved an additional $50,000 each for Evloev and Lopes. Evloev stated Lopes’ submission efforts were strong, however absolutely nothing that had him in what he believed was any threat. “(They were) not close, however my ground control is leading level, even if I do not utilize some submissions,” Evloev stated. “I do not let somebody send me. My sparring (partners), some attempt to take some submissions, however I’m versatile and I’m steady and nobody can send me.” Evloev stated he desires a fast turn-around– and wishes to be rebooked versus his initial UFC 288 challenger, Mitchell. “I wish to combat in the next 2 months with somebody who has a huge name, huge ranking in our department — say goodbye to no-names– perhaps completion of June or start of July,” Evloev stated. “I’m entirely healthy and I require just 2 weeks for rest. Possibly they arrange the battle with Bryce once again. I’m all set.” Take a look at the complete interview with Evloev in the video above. For more on the card, check out MMA Junkie’s occasion center for UFC 288.
Unbeaten Movsar Evloev desires summertime return vs. huge name– ideally initial Bryce Mitchell match from UFC 288
