Alexander Volkanovski Explains Why Dana White Snubbed Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy for UFC 325

Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski reveals reason behind fighting Diego Lopes at UFC 325.

Alexander Volkanovski Explains Why Dana White Snubbed Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy for UFC 325

Alexander Volkanovski responds to criticism after Dana White announcement (via MMA Mania, Sportspro)

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The featherweight division remains one of the deepest in the UFC, with several contenders pushing toward championship contention. At the top sits Alexander Volkanovski, who continues to anchor the weight class. UFC CEO Dana White recently confirmed Volkanovski’s next bout – a rematch against Diego Lopes. The announcement placed renewed focus on the battle for position among rising contenders.

Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev remain two of the most accomplished athletes in the division. Murphy entered the title conversation after his dominant spinning elbow knockout over Aaron Pico at UFC 319. Evloev has stayed undefeated throughout his career and maintained his position as the No. 1-ranked featherweight. Their combined credentials keep them firmly in contention.

Volkanovski recently won back the featherweight championship at UFC 314 after dominating Lopes in their first meeting. The bout earned the event’s Fight of the Night bonus and marked a decisive return to form for the champion. His performance reasserted his place at the top of the division. Volk recently spoke about why the UFC chose a Lopes rematch rather than giving a chance to a fresh contender.

UFC really wanted Lopes, but at least everyone knows they’re in for a treat. With Movsar and Lerone, they’re more deserving. But are they gonna bring the fight like Lopes would? I think the fans are gonna appreciate the fight that me and Lopes are gonna have.

Alexander Volkanovski via X

Despite the depth of contenders, the UFC moved forward with Lopes as the next challenger. Lopes has maintained momentum through recent successes that strengthened his position. His activity and finishing ability helped elevate him into another title opportunity. He bounced back from the Volkanovski loss when he knocked Jean Silva in electrifying fashion at UFC Noche in September 2025.

Evloev has remained undefeated at 19–0, securing victories over top names such as Dan Ige, Arnold Allen, and Lopes himself. His résumé highlights consistent success against elite opposition. His unbeaten record positions him among the most qualified contenders in the division. The Russian had also made it clear that he refuses to give up his place in the title race.

Aljamain Sterling had also entered the title conversation after securing a win over Brian Ortega. His emergence added another contender to an already crowded field. The mix of Sterling, Evloev, and Murphy highlights the division’s increasing competitiveness. The outcome of Alexander Volkanovski’s rematch with Diego Lopes will determine how the title landscape unfolds next.

Alexander Volkanovski’s coach admits UFC had considered Lerone Murphy for UFC 325 bout

Lerone Murphy entered the title conversation after his UFC 319 win and immediately called out Alexander Volkanovski. The 145-pound champion acknowledged the matchup, keeping it alive as a potential championship bout. Murphy showed complete confidence by outlining an entire plan for the featherweight division. His proposal placed him vs Volkanovski as the next major title fight.

Alexander Volkanovski with Joe Lopez
Alexander Volkanovski with Joe Lopez (via X)

Volkanovski continues to train under coach Joe Lopez at the Freestyle Fighting Gym in Australia. Lopez remains involved in all competitive decisions regarding the champion’s future. As contenders were evaluated, several names were discussed as possible opponents. This internal process eventually led to Lopez’s comments that Murphy was initially considered for the title shot.

It was (Murphy) thats what they had given us. A week or two after Diego’s fight they put it on the table to us because initially we were going to be fighting in December and we were all set for that. We were thinking it would either be Movsar or Murphy. When Murphy had his specatacular KO and all indications led to Murphy till Diego had his spectacular KO and everything changed.

Joe Lopez via Submission Radio

Murphy is currently on a nine-fight win streak, strengthening his position near the top of the division. With Alexander Volkanovski now scheduled to face Diego Lopes at UFC 325, the contender landscape has shifted once again. Evloev has responded by calling out Murphy for a No. 1 contender bout on the same card. The matchup would help determine the next challenger in an increasingly crowded title race.

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