TLDR
- Volkanovski defended his featherweight title against Diego Lopes at UFC 325 in Sydney
- The champion specifically dismissed Jean Silva as undeserving of a title shot
- Volkanovski emphasized the importance of honoring the division’s ranking system
- He wants to face the winner of the March 21 fight between undefeated fighters Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev
- Murphy carries a 17-0-1 record while Evloev stands at 19-0 heading into their UFC London bout
Sources: Total Pro Sports | MMA Mania | Bloody Elbow
Alexander Volkanovski made it clear he won’t fight undeserving challengers after defending his featherweight title at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia. The champion specifically dismissed title shot talk for Jean Silva following his victory over Diego Lopes.
Volkanovski outpointed Lopes in the main event to retain his championship, marking the second time he’s beaten the Brazilian. The win extended his second reign as featherweight champion nine months after claiming the vacant belt.
🤔 What's next for the featherweight champ?! 🏆🇦🇺 @AlexVolkanovski | #UFC325 pic.twitter.com/3rfWPS67EC
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) February 3, 2026
Champion Emphasizes Importance of Rankings
During his post-fight press conference, Volkanovski stressed his responsibility to honor the division’s ranking system. He stated that Silva is not ready for a title shot and warned against jumping the line.
The Australian champion pointed to the upcoming bout between Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev as the proper title eliminator. Both fighters enter their UFC London main event on March 21 with undefeated records.
Murphy carries a 17-0-1 record into the O2 Arena showdown, while Evloev stands at 19-0. Volkanovski has expressed interest in facing the winner of their matchup.
“I think the winner should be undeniably next in line for the title. Simple,” Murphy said on The Ariel Helwani Show after the fight was announced. He admitted nothing is concrete but remained hopeful the matchmakers recognize the fight’s importance.
Murphy last competed in August when he stopped UFC debutant Aaron Pico with a spinning back elbow. That performance led Volkanovski to initially call for a title defense against the Manchester fighter.
Evloev hasn’t fought since December 2024 when he narrowly defeated former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling by decision. The Russian has steadily climbed the featherweight rankings with his unbeaten streak.
Murphy Confident He Can Beat Champion
Murphy watched Volkanovski’s latest title defense with keen interest. “It hurt watching that fight, thinking I should have been there,” the 34-year-old said.
“It should have been me. I think if I was in there, I would have gotten the job done,” Murphy continued. He praised Volkanovski as a champion who fights the best available contenders.
The British fighter expressed respect for how Volkanovski approaches his title defenses. “Volk is the guy I have the utmost respect for as a champion,” Murphy stated.
Volkanovski’s stance on rankings reflects his commitment to maintaining order in the division. As champion, he emphasized fighting contenders who have earned their shot through victories over top opponents.
The featherweight title picture now centers on the Murphy-Evloev bout in London. Volkanovski has made clear he wants to face the winner rather than entertaining challenges from fighters who haven’t proven themselves.
Murphy described Evloev as an elite fighter who’s good everywhere but believes he can take the Russian into deep waters. “I’ll be hunting for the knockout from bell to bell,” Murphy said of his game plan.
Volkanovski’s victory over Lopes at UFC 325 marked his continued dominance of the featherweight division. By setting clear standards for his next challenger, he’s established that rankings and merit will determine who gets the next title opportunity.
