When Alexander Volkanovski earned his second straight victory over Diego Lopes at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia on Saturday, the fighter who had long considered himself next in line watched with interest from the other side of the world, wondering how different the outcome would have been if he had been the one to challenge for the UFC featherweight title.
Volkanovski, 37, defeated Lopez for the first time last April, rebounding from two consecutive knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilya Topriya to defeat the Brazilian and regain the vacant UFC featherweight title. History repeated itself last weekend at Qudos Bank Arena, with Volkanovski expected to win again.
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However, as he turns 38 later in 2026, Volkanovski’s time at the top may be limited.
That’s according to undefeated British contender Lerone Murphy. “I could have done the job,” the No. 4-ranked featherweight told The Uncrowned King’s “The Ariel Helwani Show” on Monday.
“Diego made some adjustments and looks better,” Murphy said. “But Walker had his number and everyone knew that was going to happen in that game.”
For Murphy, it was a bittersweet viewing experience. He remains undefeated in MMA and began his UFC career with a draw against Zubaira Tukhugov in 2019. Along the way, Murphy has racked up huge wins over the likes of Edson Barboza, Dan Ige and most recently snapped a nine-fight winning streak with a first-round knockout of Aaron Pico.
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He said the outcome would have been different if it had been Murphy instead of Lopez.
“Watching that game, it hurts to feel like I should be there … it should be me,” Murphy said.
“I really think Father Time catches up with everyone. It’s natural. Everyone does it [get older].
“I thought, if I was there, I could get the job done. I saw a lot of things there that I would have done otherwise. I feel like, right now, I’m the best in the world at featherweight.”
Murphy will get a chance to prove that point when he takes on top-ranked featherweight Movsar Evloev in the UFC London headliner on March 21 at the O2 Arena in London, England.
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“We’ve got a new game now, so let’s get started,” said Murphy, looking ahead to his role in the main event of his home game, the reason for his return to England after four games away from home.
“We’re two of the best in the world,” he said. “It would have been a better story [fighting Evloev for the title]but it’s a great game in London and I’m sure the winner will win the title. “
Looking to headline March, Evloev is on an impressive nine-fight win streak that includes decisions over Egger, Arnold Allen and former featherweight champion Aljamain Sterling.
“Movsar is elite,” Murphy said. “He’s a very good fighter and performs well everywhere, but I just trust that I’m going to take him into the deep end.
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“It’s going to be a defensive wrestling, aggressive attack and forcing him to make mistakes. I’m going to be looking for knockouts from start to finish.”
Considering the UFC has yet to respond to his request for a title shot, Murphy is less than confident about his upcoming fight against what is considered a top contender internally. “Nothing is concrete,” he admitted, “but I hope so.” Regardless, Murphy added, “The matchmakers know what type of fight it is. Everybody knows what type of fight it’s going to be. And what type of fighter I’m fighting. So, I think the winner should be the next one to fight for the title, hands down, simple.”
While Murphy set his alarm for an unsociable moment on Saturday to watch Volkanovski defend his title, the champion will undoubtedly do the same as he has long had his sights set on the title.
Volkanovski told The Untitled earlier this year that he would “rather have an undefeated fighter like Movsar or Murphy” than fight Lopez for a second time. Since he hopes to be active this year and start playing games in his 30s, maybe this game will happen in the summer.
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“Walker is the person I respect the most as a champion,” Murphy said of the champion’s support. “If it were up to him, he would fight me. He would go out there and fight the next best guy. That’s what every champion should do. Hopefully I get the chance to share the Octagon with him.”
All Murphy can do is keep doing what he’s been doing his entire career. “It’s going to get the best out of me,” he said. “I’m going to fight a good fight.”
