Undefeated featherweights Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev are set to clash in the main event at UFC London this Saturday night at the O2 Arena, and Murphy believes the implications couldn’t be bigger.
With both fighters still unbeaten and surging toward title contention, Murphy (17-0-1 MMA, 9-0-1 UFC) says the bout effectively serves as a No. 1 contender fight for a shot at Alexander Volkanovski (28-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC).
Speaking to Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie earlier this week, Murphy made it clear he sees championship stakes attached to the matchup.
“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.”
Matchups between two undefeated contenders at the elite level are rare in the UFC, something Murphy acknowledged when discussing the significance of the bout.
“We don't see this too often… undefeated versus undefeated,” he said. “You might get this on Contender Series or something when the guys are 7-0.”
Murphy and Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) have both steadily climbed the featherweight ranks, with each fighter known for a well-rounded skill set and disciplined approach. Saturday’s main event represents the biggest opportunity yet for either man to break into the title picture.
With reigning champion Volkanovski currently without a booked opponent, Murphy believes all eyes are on UFC London to determine what comes next at 145 pounds.
“Yeah, it's all on Saturday night,” Murphy said. “It's all on the performance. It's all about how this fight goes, who looks good, and whatnot. And I think we'll find out by the end of Saturday night who's fighting Volkanovski next.”
Volkanovski last competed at UFC 325 in January, where he secured a second victory over Diego Lopes. Since then, the division has been waiting for a clear contender to emerge. and Murphy is confident that moment arrives this weekend.
For Murphy, the equation is simple: win impressively, and a title shot should follow.
