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Jean Silva title shot over Movsar Evloev? UFC analyst 'wouldn't be surprised'
TL;DR
UFC analyst Michael Chiesa suggests Jean Silva could challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title, despite Movsar Evloev's undefeated record. Chiesa believes Silva's rise may be unexpected given Evloev's setbacks.
Key points
- Michael Chiesa suggests Jean Silva as a title contender
- Movsar Evloev has an undefeated record but faces setbacks
- Aljamain Sterling and Youssef Zalal are not immediate title contenders
Mentioned in this story
Michael ChiesaJean SilvaMovsar EvloevAlexander VolkanovskiAljamain SterlingYoussef Zalal
UFC Fight Night 274
Who is going to challenge UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski? The answer seems obvious, but it might not be.
At least that's the perspective of UFC analyst Michael Chiesa, who would like to see Movsar Evloev (20-0 MMA, 10-0 UFC) put his undefeated record on the line against Volkanovski (28-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) in a showdown for the gold. However, Evloev has done himself some disservice in his career due to ill-timed setbacks, leaving the door open for others.
In this instance, Chiesa thinks Jean Silva (17-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC) is a contender that looms over any title conversation right now. He would not be the proper choice to challenge Volkanovski in a merit-based system, but this is the UFC.
"Would you be surprised if they give it to Jean Silva?" Chiesa told MMA Junkie. "It should be Movsar for sure just given the fact he's undefeated. You also have to take into account that I think Movsar Evloev has been booked 21 times and has only fought 10 or something. I know he's had staph a couple times, he's had injury woes. Some things that are out of his control. But a lot of times that's overtraining and pushing things too much. It should be Movsar Evloev, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's Jean Silva."
Two names Chiesa doesn't see coming into play for the featherweight title picture just yet are Aljamain Sterling (25-5 MMA, 17-5 UFC) and Youssef Zalal (18-5-1 MMA, 8-3-1 UFC), who clash in Saturday's UFC Fight Night 274 headliner from Meta APEX in Las Vegas (Paramount+).
Although both headliners have done solid work of late, Chiesa sees them a step behind Silva in the race, and most certainly well behind Evloev.
"It doesn't matter who wins between Zalal and Sterling, I don't think they're going to be the next person," Chiesa said. "I think it's Movsar, Jean Silva and whoever is left, whoever wins between Aljo and Zalal is going to be left to fight whoever doesn't get picked between Jean Silva and Movsar."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jean Silva title shot over Movsar Evloev? UFC analyst can see it
Q&A
Why is Jean Silva being considered for a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski?
Jean Silva is being considered due to his recent performance and the setbacks faced by Movsar Evloev, despite Evloev's undefeated record.
What challenges has Movsar Evloev faced in his career?
Movsar Evloev has faced challenges such as injuries and health issues, which have limited his fight opportunities despite being booked multiple times.
Who are the other contenders for the UFC featherweight title?
Other contenders mentioned include Aljamain Sterling and Youssef Zalal, although they are not expected to be in the title picture just yet.