Alexander Volkanovski has voiced frustration with the UFC’s featherweight title picture following Movsar Evloev’s majority decision victory over Lerone Murphy at UFC London, a result that could position Evloev as the next challenger.
Evloev, the division’s top-ranked contender, secured a controversial win in the main event at the O2 Arena, a performance that on paper strengthens his claim for a title shot. However, uncertainty remains over the UFC’s next move, with Volkanovski previously booked in a rematch against Diego Lopes and potential new challengers such as Jean Silva emerging.
“I’ll be honest with the Silva situation — he’s yet to prove himself,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel, as noted by MMA Mania. “He fought a top guy and lost — a guy I beat twice comfortably. If I beat him, then he goes on to lose to your Movsars and Lerone Murphys, people are going to look back and say, ‘Why did he fight that guy?’”
Volkanovski reiterated that he is willing to face any opponent but questioned the logic behind recent matchmaking decisions. “I’ll fight whoever the UFC tells me to,” he continued. “But how many times am I going to fight guys that are undeserving when there’s a clear No. 1 guy? It’s getting ridiculous… and it’s getting to the point where it makes me look like the bad guy for not fighting the No. 1 contender.”
The champion pointed to Evloev’s standing in the division as justification for a title opportunity. “Everyone knows what type of champion I am,” Volkanovski said. “How many times can I not fight the No. 1 contender? [Evloev] was already No. 1, then he fights No. 3. Those guys were clearly ahead of everyone else. Diego Lopes is No. 2, but I’ve already fought him twice,” according to his YouTube channel.
Volkanovski indicated that Evloev remains the most logical next opponent as he targets a return later this year. “It’s obviously going to be Movsar,” Volkanovski added. “I’m a pretty easy champ to understand, I will face the best. Even if UFC pushes someone like [Jean Silva] it would be whatever but it’s gonna come to a point where it’s like, what are we doing here? We’re just wasting my [last few years].”
The Australian champion is aiming to compete again in July or August as he looks to make the third defense of his title in his second reign, while continuing to push for a matchup with what he considers the division’s most deserving contender.
