SUMMARY
- #9 ranked featherweight Movsar Evloev took on the #4 ranked Arnold Allen at UFC 297.
- Despite a valiant attempt, Arnold lost by way of a close unanimous decision.
UFC 297 has turned out to be a solid start to a very big for the sport. Despite a relatively lesser stacked card than the ones surrounding it, the event has managed to live up to fans’ expectations regardless. Notably, a big talking point from the event revolves around Arnold Allen and Movsar Evloev.
For those unaware, #9 ranked featherweight Movsar took on the #4 ranked Arnold in the first fight of the main card. Despite a valiant attempt, the Englishman Arnold succumbed to the pressure of Evloev, eventually losing by way of a unanimous decision. Not only did the Russian fighter showcase his usual wrestling prowess but also surprised many with his striking as well.
EIGHT IN A ROW 🤯@MovsarUFC remains undefeated in the UFC ‼️
[ #UFC297 | Watch LIVE on @ESPNPlus PPV NOW ] pic.twitter.com/yilrR4AgoY
— UFC (@ufc) January 21, 2024
Understandably, a rising contender like Evloev was always going to be a tough task for any fighter. As it turns out, “Almighty” was the one given the name, following his loss to Max Holloway. Although he had a few bright moments, the entire fight was mostly going Movsar’s way. However, a decisive moment in Round 3 could have changed the way the fight played out.
Did Arnold Allen land illegal knees on Movsar Evloev?
As mentioned previously, there has been a major talking point that emerged from the third round of the fight. Coming into Round 3, Allen was down two rounds, as his coach Firas Zahabi also emphasized. Despite having moments, the 29-year-old had struggled to really get going and set the tempo.
Thus, Arnold’s corner suggested that he throw the kitchen sink in at Evloev and try to get a finish. Notably, Allen has been known to be a solid headhunter, especially after his wins over Dan Hooker and Calvin Kattar. As such, the Englishman stuffed a takedown and kept the front headlock while landing knees to his opponent’s head.
Legal Knees #UFC297 pic.twitter.com/fsOk6ONBXs
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) January 21, 2024
Same exact knees. Not one peep about it. It’s the constant inconsistency. Arnold Allen won that fight. Wrestling with no damage should not have a heavy weight in scoring. mosvar did nothing round 1. Easy round 3 win for Allen. pic.twitter.com/ku6Fn65pD8
— Thomas Thomas (@ThomasThom38740) January 21, 2024
Immediately, referee Marc Goddard stepped in, calling for a timeout and giving a warning to Allen. However, on second watching it is clear to see that Evloev was still on his feet and not, in fact, downed. Soon thereafter, fans and experts also took to social media to state the same. According to some, it was a crucial moment in the fight, one that could have possibly turned the fight in Arnold’s favor.
Notably, some have also brought up the fact that UFC women’s flyweight champ Alex Grasso also did something similar during her second fight against Valentina Shevchenko. In a sequence eerily similar to the Allen-Evloev fight, Grasso stuffs the takedown and lifts up her opponent before blasting her with knees. At the time no complaints or queries were made pertaining to the legitimacy of the knees.
What’s next for Movsar Evloev after UFC 297?
Although it is up for debate as to what would have happened if Arnold Allen was not stopped, Movsar Evloev is still the winner of the fight. Now 8-0 in the UFC and 18-0 overall, the future is bright for the Russian prospect. Additionally, with him now expected to be in the top 5, it leaves a lot of thinking to do for the matchmakers.
With his close win over Allen, Evloev is firmly in the title picture at 145. Whilst his resume may not be a very impressive one, his performances have been dominant regardless. With the way the division is placed right now, there is a clear path to the title for the 29-year-old. Following the win, Movsar had a lot to say about what’s next for him.
Commending his opponent, the Russian then added, “After beating this guy (Allen), I feel I can fight with anyone in my division.” Further, he added, “I feel like I’m next contender for the title. Let’s see who will win between Alex and Ilia and I’m ready for the winner.” Thus, despite his shallow record, Movsar believes he has done enough to fight for the title next. Whether the UFC shares his sentiments is a different matter entirely.