Alexander Volkanovski could have his choice of two unbeaten prospects for his first defending defense since the recovery of the UFC -Fedweight title.
After Ilia had given up Topuria de Riem of 145 pounds, Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes to create the empty title. Since then he would like to return with a defense, and although he has two clear contenders for the belt, they have not yet cemented it.
Movsar Evloev is the ranked number one, but is not popular with UFC brassing and just pulled himself from UFC 319 where he would face the debut Aaron Pico. Instead, Lerone Murphy sets his own undefeated record on the line against the newcomer in the hope of landing in the top five.
Lerone Murphy believes that he should be shot on the UFC title of Alexander Volkanovski
After he saved the day at UFC 319, Lerone Murphy is convinced that he owes a title shot if he won the victory. In fact, he believed that his last victory over Josh Emmett could perhaps do enough, although it eventually became a relatively controversial evening with limited action.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Now Murphy will have a little more leverage, especially seen what he has put at stake against one of the most popular prospects in sport. “They must,” Murphy told the sun of a title shot for the Emmett fight. “Who else did what I did in the division?
'Everyone had their chance, right? See you Yair [Rodriguez]I think he had two or three shots. Everyone has fought for the title, everyone had their chance. I believe I will be 16-0-1 if I defeated Josh Emmett. So yes, I believe I deserve it. '
Alexander Volkanovski has wanted Movsar Evloev fight for months
Unfortunately for the Brit, Evloev might have a competition and in a world title. In reality, he has defeated Lopes on a win with nine fights that Aljamain Sterling and Arnold all includes and is a fairly clear top day for Volkanovski.
“Immediately after the fight, people mentioned Yair Rodriguez. Of course, all the camp, before the fight, I am talking about Movsar Evloev,” said Volkanovski in the Ariel Helwani show. “He is in a position where, if you look at who deserves it the most, is unbeaten and who he fought.
'Of course I fought against Yair. It's strange because I love Yair. So when he called for it, before the fight that I didn't really expect it. You had fun, if people won, I am sure he will ask for a shot.
“Maybe the UFC might want … or Movsar. I thought they were almost the early options. I thought it would be pretty clear.”