Movsar Evloev showcased his unyielding grappling skills and resilience against former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling to earn a hard-fought unanimous decision victory at UFC 310. The win not only preserved Evloev’s undefeated record but also highlighted his ability to overcome adversity in a clash of top-tier featherweights.
Sterling came out strong, utilizing his explosive wrestling to initiate takedowns and keep Evloev under pressure early on. In the first round, a stiff right hand from Sterling led to a well-executed takedown, leaving Evloev in a precarious defensive position. Sterling methodically worked from the top, denying Evloev opportunities to escape or counter.However, one brief misstep allowed Evloev to reverse the position and display his grappling finesse, though the round ended before he could capitalize further.
“It was not the best performance tonight, but a former champion, a big wrestling guy, so pretty similar technique from both of us,” Evloev reflected post-fight. “That’s why it was a jiu-jitsu match.”
The second round continued the grappling-heavy theme, with Sterling once again executing a powerful takedown. Yet, Evloev’s determination shone through as he swiftly reversed the situation, even taking Sterling’s back momentarily. Both fighters exchanged positions in a gritty ground battle that saw neither man conceding an inch. Evloev’s striking began to make its presence felt, with a well-timed right hand creating openings for takedowns of his own.
In the final round, Sterling kept up his offensive wrestling, securing a series of takedowns and controlling the cage. But Evloev’s explosive strength in the closing minutes turned the tide. Using his power, he muscled Sterling to the ground, delivering strikes and maintaining control to seal the fight.
All three judges scored about 29-28 in favor of Evloev, extending his flawless record to 19-0. While he remains modest about his title shot prospects, Evloev made it clear he’s ready for whatever comes next.
“Like I said, I’m always ready for a title shot,” he expressed
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