UFC Abu Dhabi Just Lost a Key Matchup Less Than Two Weeks Out
A co-main event falls apart just days before UFC's return to Yas Island
Less than two weeks out from UFC's long-awaited return to Yas Island, one of the most anticipated fights on the card has been pulled. The event, which was set to showcase a pivotal featherweight clash in the co-main slot, has now been thrown into flux. With travel locked, promotions running, and fight week around the corner, the disruption couldn't have come at a worse time for organizers.
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According to a report from Red Corner MMA, Movsar Evloev has officially withdrawn from his scheduled bout against Aaron Pico. The undefeated Russian reportedly suffered either an injury or undisclosed health issue while training in Thailand—an unexpected blow that ends his Abu Dhabi bid before it could begin.
LAS VEGAS, NV- AUGUST 16: Dana White speaks to the media following week 4 of the Dana White Contender Series on August 16, 2022, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
No additional details have been made public, but the development instantly removes one of the card's most intriguing matchups, particularly given what was at stake in the featherweight division.
Evloev was widely viewed as a rising contender with a chance to secure a title eliminator. According to multiple sources, Alexander Volkanovski and the UFC were reportedly eyeing Evloev as a potential next opponent, depending on how he performed in Abu Dhabi and what ultimately lands on the table for Volkanovski's next move.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Movsar Evloev of Russia looks on before a featherweight bout against Aljamain Sterling during the UFC 310 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
For Pico, the fight represented his long-awaited UFC debut after a strong run with Bellator. Now, with the pairing dissolved, the UFC is in full contingency mode.
While the UFC has not confirmed next steps, Dana White and matchmakers will now need to shift focus to the co-main event. Whether they move forward with a short-notice replacement or reshuffle the slot entirely, the promotion is under pressure to keep the Abu Dhabi card intact.
Related: Former UFC Champion and Ilia Topuria KO Victim Throws Shade on Undefeated Run
Related: New Details Emerge in Jon Jones' Ongoing Legal Saga: Report
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
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