UFC featherweight contender Movsar Evloev may be known for his dominant grappling inside the octagon, but a recently released video shows the softer side of the undefeated Ingush star.
In the footage shared via Adam Zubayraev, Evloev reveals a heartwarming childhood story that showcases his craftsmanship and love for animals – even when it came at a significant personal cost.
“Even as a child, I didn’t like playing with peers,” Evloev explains in the interview. “I preferred doing things on my own, like crafting a slingshot or making a bow and arrows, taking apart furniture and then using it for outdoor projects.”
The 19-0 professional then shares a particularly memorable childhood incident: “Can you imagine, there was a moment when I simply dismantled two beds – mine and my brother’s, where we slept – just to make a doghouse for puppies I found in the backyard.”
The impulsive act of kindness didn’t exactly thrill his parents, who were understandably puzzled by their son’s decision to sacrifice essential furniture.
“It was so frustrating when I realized how foolishly I had acted,” Evloev admits. “Well, I was a child, about 7 or 8 years old. But our financial situation wasn’t so good that we could buy new beds every day.”
The determined young Evloev had a vision and wasn’t deterred by practical considerations. “I simply sawed the boards from the bed to make a comfortable, good house for the puppies,” he recalls.
This glimpse into Evloev’s childhood demonstrates the same single-minded dedication he now brings to his professional MMA career. Currently riding a big win streak in the UFC, Evloev continues to climb the featherweight rankings while apparently maintaining his lifelong penchant for hands-on problem solving.
Next time you see him executing a flawless takedown in the octagon, remember: the same hands that control opponents could also build your puppy a perfectly crafted doghouse – though hopefully not at the expense of anyone’s sleeping arrangements.
