Alexander Volkanovski has not shortage of options for his next title defense.
The title picture in the UFC featherweight division is perhaps more open than it has been in years, with several big names jockeying for position. This past weekend, one of those names fell out when Jean Silva was finished by former title challenger Diego Lopes in the main event of Noche UFC, but the other men vying for a crack at the belt are just as locked in.
It all started with Lerone Murphy, who is coming off a sensational
knockout over Aaron Pico at UFC 319. Murphy has been rumored to be the frontrunner to face Volkanovski, and after Silva lost this past weekend, he restated his case on Twitter, which drew a response from Aljamain Sterling.
“It’s on!!!! Let’s go Volkanovski. That was a great fight though.”
“Wait a minute, bruv…”
Sterling, a former bantamweight champion, is coming off his own big win, a unanimous decision over Brian Ortega at UFC Shanghai after Ortega badly missed weight.
On Monday, Murphy again reasserted his claim to the title fight, leading to both men making their case and taking digs at each other.
“How is Aljo’s name even in the mix? I’m confused. Bro’s 2-2 in his last 4 fights. He was a good bantamweight but an average featherweight. ONLY 1 name makes sense and that is LERONE MURPHY
“Diego done amazing against Silva but not much changes in a rematch against Volk. The people want to see new match ups. I’m 17-0 for a reason. ITS MY TIME!”
“You beat a Bellator guy, brodie, ran circles from Emmett, and have 2 finishes your whole UFC career.
I’m a 3x defending former champ, beat a 2x title challenger, almost 3x the UFC wins than you. Brother, I am next. My name makes perfect sense and I can show you a miracle.”
“Pico would beat you though, 100% and you know it. And I’ve had 3 finishes in the UFC. Bro I’m not discrediting your resume at bantamweight but you won’t touch gold at featherweight.”
“I like Murphy. He has an interesting style to problem solve. But to say my name doesn’t belong in the mix is showing his insecurities. I’ve never turned down a fight. We will see what the bosses and Volk wants to do.”
And then there’s Movsar Evloev. Evloev is undefeated in his career and even holds a win over Sterling, beating him at UFC 310 in December. He was supposed to be the man to fight Aaron Pico originally, but withdrew, allowing Murphy to step in and earn his signature win. In fact, Evloev is the No. 1-ranked contender and has previously drawn attention from Volkanovski, but nevertheless seems to be on the outside looking in for a title shot. But he’s looking to change that, making his own case on Monday.
“Congratulations Diego Lopes, let’s do the rematch or maybe I can fight Lerone Murphy, it doesn’t matter any of these two guys.
“I’m the only guy who can beat Volk right now, but if I have to fight Lerone or Diego then I have no problem doing it.”
“Hey man, you’re probably not gonna get this title shot and me and you will end up fighting, I’m looking forward to it. But, if you do end up getting the title shot then Good Luck.”
“I beat Diego Lopes, Arnold Allen and Aljamain Sterling very easy. Nobody deserve anything and if any of them want to fight me again I have no problem.”
It’s unclear who will emerge from this three-man pack to fight for the title next, and Volkanovski has stated he doesn’t much care. He’s prepared to fight whoever the UFC puts in front of him, and is targeting a December return to action.
