Alexander Volkanovski isn’t ruling Diego Lopes out of the title picture at 145 pounds.
Volkanovski (27-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC) defeated Lopes to claim the vacant UFC featherweight title at UFC 314 in April. While Lerone Murphy (17-0-1 MMA, 9-0-1 UFC) appeared to move to the front of the line to challenge for Volkanovski’s belt after his knockout win over Aaron Pico last month, Volkanovski says Lopes could still be in line for another crack at gold following his epic win over Jean Silva at Noche UFC last Saturday.
“I know Lerone Murphy is obviously one guy that's coming off a big KO against (Aaron) Pico,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel immediately after Saturday’s main event. “I obviously said yes to that one. But then we'll wait and around to see what happens (after) this fight. Does Diego get a rematch? Crazy win like that, wild fashion again, doing what he always does. I know the UFC absolutely love him. Whether they push for him, we'll see what happens.
“But either way, you guys know me. Whoever it is, it is. So I'll just sit back and see what the UFC say. Obviously, I just fought Diego. Does it make sense to just rematch straight away? But you never know what the UFC want. I'll have a chat to them.”
Lerone Murphy’s stunning spinning-elbow finish over Aaron Pico at UFC 319 extended his winning streak to eight. However, since the U.K. star had earned five straight decision wins before making that statement, there was still a lingering sense that another contender could leapfrog him for a title shot.
“I know Lerone Murphy is there, let's see what happens,” Volkanovski said. “I should get some information on that very soon, and I can't really tell you straight away, can I? I guess the UFC will let you know when it is. I know December is sort of where we're looking. We'll see what happens.”
The title discussion is heating up at 145 pounds. Movsar Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) remains unbeaten inside the Octagon, while former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling continued his impressive form since moving up a weight class by dominating Brian Ortega over five rounds at UFC Shanghai last month. Alexander Volkanovski insists he will be ready for any challenge the UFC puts in front of him.
“I'm not scared of anyone, everyone knows that” the champion said. “Let's see what the UFC says. Congratulations, Diego Lopes. Who's it going to be? You've got the guys like Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, Diego Lopes. I think that's the three…and obviously Movsar. Let's just see what happens.”
