The undefeated duo is set to face off in the main event of UFC London, marking a clash between two clear top contenders for the featherweight division.
Following Alexander Volkanovski’s successful defense of his featherweight title at UFC 325 last weekend, he immediately expressed his desire for a swift return to the octagon. Just days after his impressive victory, which brought him closer to solidifying his legacy as the greatest featherweight ever, the Australian champion may soon learn who his next challenger will be.
On Monday afternoon, the UFC announced that undefeated title hopefuls Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev will headline UFC London on March 21st.
Before his rematch with Brian Ortega, Volkanovski had shown interest in facing Murphy, who recently earned headlines by knocking out Aaron Pico and receiving Dana White’s Performance of the Year award. Even if Volkanovski doesn’t end up facing either headliner from UFC London directly, his forthcoming title defense promises to be an exciting matchup.
In a recent appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, Murphy, known as “The Miracle,” shared his frustration about the UFC not confirming that the upcoming fight with Evloev would indeed determine the next number one contender. “Looking at the department’s plans, it was clear they were going to go to that fight,” Murphy stated. When asked whether a win would guarantee him a title shot, he responded, “Words are wind at this point, right? The department is always changing, it’s a performance-based company, someone has to go out and fight the good fight, there’s nothing concrete, that’s what I’m trying to say. But I hope so.”
Murphy’s comments highlight a level of uncertainty, especially considering Volkanovski’s public interest in facing either him or Evloev next, as well as Murphy’s high ranking in the division.
Currently, it would be surprising if the winner of the Murphy vs. Evloev bout wasn’t granted a shot at the title. However, complications have arisen due to Evloev’s relationship with UFC executives and his unpopular fighting style, which may influence matchmaking decisions. Meanwhile, another notable featherweight contender, Jean Silva—who recently rallied for a comeback win over Arnold Allen at UFC 324—could disrupt the expected order. Given the UFC’s tendency to favor marketable fighters, Silva might leapfrog others for a future clash with Volkanovski.
Fan Take:
This matchup between two undefeated contenders underlines the depth of talent in the featherweight division and sets the stage for compelling title implications. For fight fans, it promises high stakes and drama, while also spotlighting how business dynamics sometimes shape the path to championship opportunities in the UFC.
