Ilia Topuria: Movsar Evloev not undefeated anymore after pulling out of UFC 270

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Ilia Topuria is not happy that Movsar Evloev withdrew from their fight.

Topuria (11-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) was scheduled to face Evloev on Saturday’s UFC 270 main card, but after Evloev (15-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) was forced out due to a positive COVID-19 test, Topuria will face Charles Jourdain on the featured prelim instead.

Although Jourdain (12-4-1 MMA, 3-3-1 UFC) is another tough up-and-coming prospect, Topuria had a brewing rivalry with fellow unbeaten fighter Evloev, and he won’t get an opportunity to settle it.

With your five fights in the UFC all ending in decision and you really think that I am going to be your mop and you call me a dreamer??!! The only mop is going to be you when I make you look like a beginner and wipe the floor with you.El Matador

— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) November 27, 2021

“I was a little bit sad because Movsar pull out from the fight, but I know that they would find someone to fight on Saturday night,” Topuria said during Wednesday’s UFC 270 media day “That’s why I’m here.”

He continued, “Movsar is not undefeated anymore. He lost his undefeated record because he didn’t come here. He told me that he will use me like a red rag. Here I bring this red rag here where he is? No one knows. So f*ck him.”

When asked if he’d be open to rebooking the Evloev fight with a win over Jourdain, Topuria said he’s only concerned with climbing the featherweight ladder.

“I want to fight someone from the top 10,” Topuria said. “That’s my next goal after this fight, but right now I’m focused on my next fight, and we’ll see what’s going to be in the future.”