Alexander Volkanovski has not scarcity of choices for his subsequent title protection.
The title image within the UFC featherweight division is maybe extra open than it has been in years, with a number of huge names jockeying for place. This previous weekend, a kind of names fell out when Jean Silva was completed by former title challenger Diego Lopes in the primary occasion of Noche UFC, however the different males vying for a crack on the belt are simply as locked in.
It began with Lerone Murphy, who’s 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 misplaced this previous weekend, he restated his case on Twitter, which drew a response from Aljamain Sterling.
“It’s on!!!! Let’s go Volkanovski. That was an awesome struggle although.”
“Wait a minute, bruv…”
Sterling, a former bantamweight champion, is coming off his personal huge win, a unanimous choice over Brian Ortega at UFC Shanghai after Ortega badly missed weight.
On Monday, Murphy once more reasserted his declare to the title struggle, resulting in each males making their case and taking digs at one another.
“How is Aljo’s identify even within the combine? I’m confused. Bro’s 2-2 in his final 4 fights. He was a great bantamweight however a median featherweight. ONLY 1 identify is sensible and that’s LERONE MURPHY
“Diego finished superb in opposition to Silva however not a lot adjustments in a rematch in opposition to Volk. The folks wish to see new match ups. I’m 17-0 for a purpose. ITS MY TIME!”
“You beat a Bellator man, brodie, ran circles from Emmett, and have 2 finishes your complete UFC profession.
I’m a 3x defending former champ, beat a 2x title challenger, virtually 3x the UFC wins than you. Brother, I’m subsequent. My identify makes excellent sense and I can present you a miracle.”
“Pico would beat you although, 100% and you understand it. And I’ve had 3 finishes within the UFC. Bro I’m not discrediting your resume at bantamweight however you gained’t contact gold at featherweight.”
“I like Murphy. He has an attention-grabbing model to drawback clear up. However to say my identify doesn’t belong within the combine is exhibiting his insecurities. I’ve by no means turned down a struggle. We are going to see what the bosses and Volk needs to do.”
After which there’s Movsar Evloev. Evloev is undefeated in his profession and even holds a win over Sterling, beating him at UFC 310 in December. He was presupposed to be the person to struggle Aaron Pico initially, however withdrew, permitting Murphy to step in and earn his signature win. In actual fact, Evloev is the No. 1-ranked contender and has beforehand drawn consideration from Volkanovski, however nonetheless appears to be on the skin wanting in for a title shot. However he’s trying to change that, making his personal case on Monday.
“Congratulations Diego Lopes, let’s do the rematch or perhaps I can struggle Lerone Murphy, it doesn’t matter any of those two guys.
“I’m the one man who can beat Volk proper now, but when I’ve to struggle Lerone or Diego then I’ve no drawback doing it.”
“Hey man, you’re most likely not gonna get this title shot and me and you’ll find yourself combating, I’m wanting ahead to it. However, should you do find yourself getting the title shot then Good Luck.”
“I beat Diego Lopes, Arnold Allen and Aljamain Sterling very simple. No one deserve something and if any of them wish to struggle me once more I’ve no drawback.”
It’s unclear who will emerge from this three-man pack to struggle for the title subsequent, and Volkanovski has said he doesn’t a lot care. He’s ready to struggle whoever the UFC places in entrance of him, and is concentrating on a December return to motion.
