Care is growing about the potential next fight that Dana White and the UFC are present for champion of featherweight Alexander Volkanovski.
Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes in a vintage display on UFC 314 to start his second reign on the throne of 145 pounds. For many, the next step of the Australian clear – a defense against undefeated competition Movsar Evloev.
The desired title shot of EVLOEV is seen by some as long. The Russian has so far won all nine of his UFC fights, with his last victories that came a stiff competition in Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen and Lopes.
But the promotion does not seem willing to give the 31-year-old chance. Evloev will have to fight another competition, which he recently confirmed on social media.
Speculation about those who will be confronted with Volkanovski is unbridled instead, and not many agree with the leading candidate.
Lerone Murphy urges Dana White and UFC to not Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez to be booked 2
With EVLOEV for the time being, a rematch that is generally considered unjustified and undeserved in the pipeline.
Volkanovski beat Yair Rodriguez comfortably via TKO in 2023 to defend the featherweight title for the fourth time. Although the Mexican has been 1-1 since then, it seems that a Nouch UFC Main Event has him at the top of the list to face 'Alexander the Great'.
Those potential plans have been sustained with a heavy return, and among those who would be stunned by Rodriguez who receives a shot, is Lerone Murphy.
“That would be terrible for the division, for the sport,” said Murphy during an appearance on Submission Radio. “Realistic – not to say that Yair is not a good hunter – but he has lost about three or four title shots. He only has one victory in three fights and it was against a man who is not.
“It would not be logical. Personally I am in the division, I would like a chance, but I know I probably also need one, but I would not be against Movsar who gets the shot.
“I believe from everyone, if someone is going to get a chance, it would be Movsar or myself. We are both undefeated hunters, fresh hunters, never challenged the title and never fought with Volkanovski.
“You can't return Yair there,” concluded Murphy.
UFC set to ignore Alexander Volkanovski's preference
Murphy is not the only hunter behind the Evloev claim on a title shot. In fact, the featherweight champion wants to face the Russian itself.
Before repeating the wish after the fight after recovering the title, Volkanovski explained why he wants to defend the gold against Evloev during an interview on the Ariel Helwani show.
'I tell you I'm going outside and I'm going to win the belt and I'll call [Evloev] So he can probably wait if he wants to, “said Volkanovski.
“I win that title and I fight him three months later. Tell me the date on which we can do it and I will call the shots that night.
“I think Movsar definitely deserves.”
Despite his service as one of the most dominant champions of the UFC, Volkanovski apparently still does not have the power to select his opponents.
That will be a disappointment for EVLOEV and his team, who seem less than satisfied with the apparent contempt for the promotion for his recent series of victories and fighting style.