According to reports, Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev are likely to miss out on a UFC featherweight title shot once again.
This Saturday’s UFC London main event features a clash between top contenders in the featherweight division, with Murphy and Evloev looking to strengthen their cases for a title opportunity.
The expectation has been that the winner of the main event between rank one and three in the division would go on to fight Alexander Volkanovski for the title next.
However, reports suggest that Alexander Volkanovski’s next opponent is already lined up, and it won’t be either Murphy or Evloev. Instead, former champion Ilia Topuria appears set to get another shot at regaining his belt, even though his recent form has raised some eyebrows among fans.
Topuria hasn’t looked as sharp as expected since losing his title back in February 2024. His record sits at 0-1-1 since then, including a draw against number four-ranked Arnold Allen last May. Despite this run, it seems he’s being favoured over two fighters coming off big wins like Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev.
Reports indicate Alexander Volkanovski vs Jean Silva lined up for International Fight Week
After his fight with Evloev was announced, Murphy said he hadn’t been informed it was meant to be a title eliminator.
Now, just days before the event in London, MMAHoje has reported that a fight between Volkanovski and Jean Silva is “practically confirmed.”
Silva is coming off a decision win over Arnold Allen earlier this year and is preferred by fans over Murphy and Evloev due to his more aggressive fighting style.
In recent weeks, Silva has been hinting at major news on social media, adding weight to the reports.
The title fight between Volkanovski and Silva is expected to take place during International Fight Week in July.
There have also been rumors that the UFC wants Conor McGregor’s return fight on the same card after he was left out of the White House event lineup.
If that happens, McGregor’s name alone would headline, even though he wouldn’t be fighting for a title. The featherweight belt would then fit well as co-main event slotting next to it.
The winner of Evloev vs Murphy may seem deserving based on rankings, but both are often criticized for their more cautious approaches inside the cage. This could work against them in terms of fan interest.
Meanwhile, Silva already has more finishes in seven UFC appearances than both combined. That kind of finishing ability might explain why he’s being pushed ahead of them despite less experience at the top level.
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