UFC 310: Evloev pumped for Sterling fight despite prelim spot

Movsar Evloev does not mind that he is fighting Aljamain Sterling on the preliminary card of UFC 310 this Sunday (AEDT) at the T-Mobile Arena.

Much has been made of the high-profile featherweight clash not making the main card, with former champion Sterling deriding the decision earlier this week.

However, No.5 contender Evloev only sees positives.

“Maybe even better to stay on prelims for this card because more people will watch our fight,” he said on Wednesday.

“People confused about this because we’re not on the main card.

“I can understand that, but I don’t really care.

“This is the same, three rounds, five minutes. Same money. Same guy.

“When I step in the cage, I see nothing outside, so I’m focused on my opponent.

“For me, it doesn’t matter. For my people, it’s not a big difference.

“They will root for me anyway even if I fight on the street.

“And at the time, people will be able to find out who is the next contender for the bout.

“I think we’re on prelims because of him, but I don’t care.”

Top sportsbooks have Evloev as a heavy favourite to defeat Sterling, with UFC betting odds sitting around $1.35 to $3.25 in the Russian’s favour.

Evloev, whose eight wins in the UFC have all come by decision, also addressed criticism of his fighting style ahead of UFC 310.

“Everybody talking about finish, finish,” he said.

“OK, if you need finish, try to finish me.

“So, I think for this fight, I’ll do something.

“We are preparing for this almost one year since I won my fight in January and this guy is a good opponent to do what I’m trying to do.

“I don’t think this fight will be boring, because his style and my style, when two wrestlers fight each other, it’s always a good fight.”

Bookmaker Marantelli Bet has Evloev at $6.50 to win by knockout and $15 to win by submission, with odds of $3.15 for the fight to finish inside the distance.

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