Alexander Volkanovski Reveals UFC’s Masterplan Behind Creating Hype Around Movsar Evloev vs Lerone Murphy

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski reveals how the bout between Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev is all part of UFC's plan.

Alexander Volkanovski Reveals UFC’s Masterplan Behind Creating Hype Around Movsar Evloev vs Lerone Murphy

Alexander Volkanovski talks about Movsar Evloev vs Lerone Murphy (via MMA Mania. BBC)

In Short
  • Alexander Volkanovski believes the UFC created hype around the Movsar Evloev vs Lerone Murphy fight by delaying it.
  • He selected Evloev as the likely winner, citing his undefeated record and strong credentials.
  • Volkanovski signed a new contract with the UFC, indicating his commitment to continue fighting despite nearing the end of his career.

Alexander Volkanovski cemented his legacy among the all-time featherweight greats with a dominant seven-year run at 145 pounds. He consistently accepted challenges from younger contenders and never avoided high-risk matchups throughout his championship reign. With Lerone Murphy set to face Movsar Evloev on March 21, Volkanovski has now shared his perspective on the pivotal contender bout.

After reclaiming the featherweight title by defeating Diego Lopes at UFC 314, Volkanovski was widely expected to face either Murphy or Evloev next. Instead, the UFC scheduled a high-stakes rematch against Lopes at UFC 325. Volkanovski once again secured a unanimous decision victory, demonstrating sustained dominance and proving he shows no signs of retirement or decline despite years at the top.

Before the UFC 325 rematch, Volkanovski revealed the bout against Lopes was mainly to generate exposure. He confirmed it would not be his retirement fight and committed to facing Evloev or Murphy next. The UFC scheduled both undefeated contenders to face each other at UFC London on March 21, creating a clear title challenger. This prompted Volkanovski to recently share his assessment of the fight.

I am really glad that it is happening. A lot of people would have been like it would have been this guy, it would have been that guy. Some people are calling the names but not screaming the names. The UFC does this sometimes. Now they’ve hyped up the fight so that everyone’s going to be screaming whoever wins that fight’s name. The fights gonna be built up just because of this so I am glad that it is happening. Who do I think is going to win that one? I think Movsar if Movsar is healthy.

Alexander Volkanovski via Mighty

Volkanovski chose Evloev as his pick to win the upcoming potential No.1 contender fight, highlighting the Russian contender’s credentials. Evloev is an undefeated featherweight with a 19‑0 record, including 9‑0 in the UFC, and is one of the division’s top fighters. He has defeated opponents such as Arnold Allen and Diego Lopes, and claimed a win over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310.

Lerone Murphy has been vocal about earning a featherweight title shot due to his consistent UFC performances. After a debut draw against Zubaira Tukhugov at UFC 245, he has remained undefeated with a nine-fight winning streak. He rose to contention following a highlight-reel knockout over Aaron Pico at UFC 319. Murphy was disappointed to be passed over for the title shot at UFC 325.

At 37 years old, Alexander Volkanovski is undoubtedly in the latter stage of his career, and many expected him to retire after the UFC 325 bout. However, he has put those doubts to rest by revealing he recently signed a new contract with the UFC, signaling his continued commitment to the sport. This extension positions him perfectly to defend his title against the winner of the Evloev vs Murphy matchup.

Alexander Volkanovski reveals that he would have retired if the UFC 325 fight went a certain way

Until February 2023, Alexander Volkanovski was among the most dominant UFC fighters, riding a 22-fight win streak. His unbeaten run ended when Islam Makhachev handed him his first loss after the Australian champion moved up to lightweight. The setback worsened when Makhachev knocked Volkanovski out with a head kick in their short notice UFC 294 rematch, marking a rare low point in his otherwise stellar career.

Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes at UFC 325
Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes at UFC 325 (via Yahoo Sports)

After the head-kick loss to Makhachev, Volkanovski faced another defining moment in 2024 when he took on Ilia Topuria at UFC 298. Topuria knocked him out in the second round, ending his featherweight title reign that began in 2019 with five successful defenses. Volkanovski recently revealed that if he had taken major damage in his UFC 325 rematch against Diego Lopes, he would have considered retirement.

If I took a heap of damage in this fight, maybe I would’ve laid down the gloves, I am taking that into consideration – I’m trying to weigh it. Right now, I’m in a good position. I did get a new contract as well, which was great. So I was able to do that and you’re never going to make money like you do when you’re fighting, you can say I’m pretty set outside of it. We have a bunch of great opportunities there, but I’m alive and willing, and I’ve gotta go get these paychecks.

Alexander Volkanovski via Mighty

Alexander Volkanovski says he was ready to retire if the Diego Lopes rematch went badly. 🤯

“If I took a heap of damage in this fight, maybe I would have laid down the gloves. But now I’m in a good position. I did get a new contract as well, which was great.”

(Via @MightyMouse… pic.twitter.com/Bz8VKSeMn3

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 26, 2026

Alexander Volkanovski’s legacy places him among the UFC’s most successful champions. He has six successful featherweight title defenses across two reigns, tying the division’s all-time mark for most title fight wins. ‘Volk’ also became the oldest fighter to win and defend the featherweight title at 37, highlighting his longevity. Even if he had retired before UFC 325, his career would have remained spotless.

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