Evloev (20-0) is scheduled to challenge Alexander Volkanovski (28-4) for the featherweight title at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Aldo said he wouldn’t have given Evloev a title shot.
Jose Aldo calls Movsar Evloev's UFC fights boring ahead of Alexander Volkanovski title shot
Despite his perfect record, Evloev has drawn criticism for going the distance in all 10 of his UFC appearances. Aldo said he would wait for the Russian’s first defeat before releasing him. The Hall of Famer views the UFC as an entertainment business in which winning alone doesn’t guarantee opportunities or stardom.
“The UFC isn’t just an organization that just has to follow a rankings system. It’s a business; it’s entertainment,” Aldo told MMA Fighting. “It’s not a matter of, ‘I’m number one so I have to fight for the title.’ No. Evloev is ranked No.1 in the division, if I’m not mistaken, and if I were the president, I’d never put him in there. He could beat everybody. I’d wait for him to lose for the first time and then cut him because he’s a guy that doesn’t sell, a guy who puts on boring fights, a guy who doesn’t draw attention; he just stays inactive.”
The former featherweight champion pointed to Jean Silva and Alex Pereira as examples of fighters whose aggressive styles appeal to fans despite their losses inside the Octagon.
“So why would I give him that opportunity? I want to sell out my arena, I want my event to grow, there’s a lot involved,” Aldo added. “Jean Silva could lose three fights, but he’s a guy who comes forward, a guy who puts on a show. That’s what fans want to see. ‘Poatan’ was already almost 35 when he joined the UFC and he kept growing… There are so many things you have to consider… It’s not just a matter of, ‘F*ck, I beat everyone.’ You beat everyone by laying and praying, drawing no attention and nobody talks about anything.”
Jose Aldo explains why he would cut Movsar Evloev if he were #UFC boss: "I’d wait for him to lose for the first time and then cut him because he’s a guy who doesn’t sell, a guy who puts on boring fights, a guy who doesn’t draw attention." (🎥 @guicruzzz) https://t.co/0DZINRJE90— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 20, 2026