Alexander Volkanovski wants a deserving contender after UFC 325, and three names have put their hands up hoping for the opportunity.
Volkanovski (28-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) got his rematch with Diego Lopes (27-8 MMA, 6-3 UFC) out of the way in successful fashion Saturday when he earned another unanimous decision victory to mark the first defense in his second reign as featherweight champion at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
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There was an argument to be made there were more worthy candidates for the shot, such as one of the undefeated names in Lerone Murphy (17-0-1 MMA, 9-0-1 UFC) or Movsar Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC). The promotion went another direction, but now the opportunity could come back around, and everyone is trying to make their case.
Murphy, who thought he’d solidified his title shot with a Knockout of the Year candidate spinning back elbow of Aaron Pico in August, wants his patience rewarded and thinks he’d be the toughest test (via X):
Evloev, who hasn’t competed since December 2024 when he edged a decision over former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling, has been a fight of interest for Volkanovski since prior to the UFC 325 booking, is eager to show he can bring a test to “The Great” that others aren’t capable of (via X):
Then finally, there’s Silva, who was defeated by Lopes in a title eliminator in September, but rebounded at UFC 324 in January with an exciting decision win over Arnold Allen. Although he doesn’t have the unblemished record of the other contenders, it’s clear “Lord” thinks he’s also deserving of the next opportunity (via X):
It remains to be seen who the UFC brass will select to face Volkanovski next as he looks to compete three times in 2026 and add more value to his already UFC Hall of Fame worthy resume.
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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Lerone Murphy, Movsar Evloev, Jean Silva want Volkanovski after UFC 325
