TLDR
- Alexander Volkanovski wants to face Movsar Evloev over Lerone Murphy after UFC London
- Murphy (17-0-1) and Evloev (19-0) headline UFC London on March 21 at the O2 Arena
- Volkanovski predicts Evloev will win the undefeated matchup
- Murphy believes the winner will get the next title shot at 145 pounds
- Volkanovski last fought at UFC 325 in January, defeating Diego Lopes
Sources: EssentiallySports | Fighters Only | SPORTbible | Sportsnet
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has made his preference clear ahead of the UFC London main event on March 21. The Australian champion wants to defend his title against Movsar Evloev rather than Lerone Murphy.
Volkanovski cited Evloev’s undefeated record and quality of wins as reasons for his preference. He respects both fighters but feels obligated to face the most deserving contender.
The champion also predicted that Evloev will defeat Murphy when the two unbeaten contenders meet at London’s O2 Arena. Both fighters have remained perfect throughout their professional careers.
Murphy Sees Title Shot on the Line
Lerone Murphy views Saturday’s fight as a number one contender bout. The Manchester native holds a 17-0-1 record with a 9-0-1 mark inside the UFC octagon.
“I think this fight should have been for the title, really,” Murphy said. “But it’s a massive fight, and I think the winner goes on to be champion, for sure.”
Lerone Murphy looks absolutely jacked in his latest training footage 👀🥶
(Via @LeroneMurphy ) pic.twitter.com/APEPsQqHkU
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 17, 2026
Murphy is coming off a career-best performance against Aaron Pico. He finished the longtime Bellator star with a first-round spinning elbow knockout.
The 34-year-old Englishman said headlining a home card is a bucket list achievement. This marks his third fight in London but his first as a main event fighter.
“For me it’s just a journey, I’m trying to get to the title, but fighting for the home crowds is always the best, because your family and friends can come,” Murphy told SPORTbible. He added that there’s no extra pressure fighting at home.
Evloev Brings Perfect Record and Wrestling Game
Movsar Evloev enters the fight with a 19-0 professional record. The Russian contender is 9-0 in the UFC with all victories coming by decision.
Evloev holds wins over Diego Lopes, Arnold Allen, and former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. He ranks number one in the featherweight contender rankings.
The 32-year-old has dealt with multiple injuries and setbacks in recent years. His most recent fight was at UFC 310 in December 2024, marking a 16-month layoff heading into UFC London.
Evloev averages 4.67 takedowns per 15 minutes of fight time. He’s known as an elite wrestler who grinds opponents down over five rounds.
Murphy acknowledged the stylistic matchup favors wrestling versus striking. “I think everyone knows what I’m going to try and do in there, he’s going to try and wrestle, I’m going to try and defensive wrestle and strike, simple,” he said.
The Manchester fighter enters as a two-to-one betting underdog despite his home crowd advantage. Murphy holds a 51 percent takedown defense rate.
Volkanovski has not fought since UFC 325 in January 2026. He defeated Diego Lopes in their rematch to secure his second title reign.
The champion said he expected to face either Evloev or Murphy in his first defense. He dismissed other potential challengers like Jean Silva in favor of this matchup.
“I don’t think he’s in a position to fight for the title, especially when you’ve got Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev fighting very, very soon,” Volkanovski said about Silva. “I think that’s very clear.”
The UFC has not officially confirmed the winner receives a title shot. However, both fighters and the champion expect the victor to face Volkanovski next for the featherweight belt.
