Alexander Volkanovski Acknowledges Movsar Evloev’s UFC Title Shot Snub
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski believes Movsar Evloev deserves a spot in the next title fight. Evloev, undefeated at 19-0 overall and 9-0 in the UFC, along with Lerone Murphy (17-0-1 overall, 9-0-1 UFC), were in the running, but the opportunity instead went to Diego Lopes. Lopes will headline UFC 325 against Volkanovski on January 31 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, with the bout airing on Paramount+.
Volkanovski’s last appearance was a victory to capture the vacant title from Lopes, a win that surprised many observers including the champion himself. He explained to Sporting News Australia that he’d immediately called for Evloev after his win, noting he anticipated Evloev would fight Pico before a postponement and eventual withdrawal altered all plans. Volkanovski said, “There goes your opportunity.” He expressed sympathy for Evloev, recognizing his credentials, while also acknowledging the realities of matchmaking in the sport.
In the champion’s view, the key is consistency and willingness to step up. Lerone Murphy, who accepted a short-notice challenge against Pico and delivered a spectacular finish, seemed poised to contend in December. Yet the UFC’s plans involved Jean Silva and Diego Lopes, inviting speculation about who might finally earn the title shot next. Volkanovski added that the door remains open for Evloev and Murphy to prove themselves, either by facing each other or by taking another assignment before he would defend the belt against them.
“We’ll see what happens,” Volkanovski said. “Whether Movsar and Lerone fight someone else or each other, prove themselves, and then I’ll fight them right after. They won’t miss their chance. They can take another fight or wait, but waiting isn’t ideal.”
Would you side with Volkanovski’s emphasis on consistency and readiness, or do you think Evloev deserved a sooner title shot given his undefeated record?
