“Thought There Were No Politics” – Dana White’s Shocking Announcement Almost Made Top Contender Almost Hate MMA

#4 ranked featherweight contender Lerone Murphy reveals his initial reaction to being snubbed by Dana White for UFC 325 title fight.

“Thought There Were No Politics” – Dana White’s Shocking Announcement Almost Made Top Contender Almost Hate MMA

Lerone Murphy talks about getting snubbed out the title shot by Dana White (via MMA Mania, BBC)

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Dana White’s announcements for UFC 324 and UFC 325 have generated significant turbulence within the MMA community. The confirmation of Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes greatly altered expectations for upcoming title opportunities. This decision reshaped the landscape and affected several rising names. Lerone Murphy recently addressed his initial reaction to learning the UFC 325 headliner.

Murphy entered the title conversation emphatically at UFC 319 by stopping Aaron Pico with a spinning elbow. The victory continued his nine-fight UFC win streak, building on triumphs over Josh Emmett, Edson Barboza, and Dan Ige. His momentum placed him firmly among the division’s elite. Many observers viewed him as a leading option for the next championship bout.

Volkanovski had previously identified Murphy as the logical next challenger based on recent performances. This recognition made the booking of the Lopes rematch a notable shift in the division’s direction. The decision emphasized the promotion’s reliance on marketability over standings. Murphy recently detailed how the announcement affected his focus and motivation.

When I first found out… I fell out of love with it for a bit, I’m not gonna lie. I got into MMA over boxing because I thought there were no politics. I thought it was simply: do the work, the best fight the best, and that’s the way it goes.

Lerone Murphy via The Ariel Helwani Show

Following the news, Murphy stressed the value of matchmaking built on elite competition at the highest level. His remarks aligned with similar criticism from #5-ranked Aljamain Sterling, who challenged the promotion’s approach. Sterling argued that established standards were being overlooked. Both perspectives highlighted ongoing concerns about consistency in title selection.

Murphy’s comments about temporarily losing his passion carried added weight due to his personal history. He previously survived being shot in the face twice before entering MMA. Years later, he nearly lost his life again in a serious bicycle accident. These experiences make his commitment to perseverance a defining part of his career.

Lerone Murphy had already outlined a complete plan for the featherweight division, insisting he would face Volkanovski for the title while the remaining contenders settled their positions. His confidence stemmed from his unbeaten run and the belief that his performances warranted the next shot. However, that vision was disrupted when Dana White moved forward with an alternative matchmaking plan.

Lerone Murphy calls out Diego Lopes’ reaction to Dana White’s UFC 325 announcement

Diego Lopes previously faced Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 314, where he lost but earned Fight of the Night honors. The bout gained significant fan attention and boosted his profile in the featherweight division. Following the announcement of his rematch, Lopes addressed criticism from other contenders. He urged fighters to get back to work and hinted at Dana White’s involvement in the decision.

Lerone Murphy goes off on Diego Lopes
Lerone Murphy goes off on Diego Lopes (via MMA Mania)

Lerone Murphy has remained undefeated since his UFC debut in 2019, steadily building his position in the division. His consistent performances and high-level victories have made him a recognized contender. Murphy responded to Lopes’s remarks by highlighting his own achievements. He emphasized that his dedication and record speak to his rightful place in title discussions.

You can’t tell me to get to work. I’ve won nine fights in a row, so no one can tell me to get to work. I’ve fought whoever the UFC has given me. In my opinion, I’ve done the UFC a favor by taking the Pico fight on three weeks’ notice — he’s a dangerous guy. I believe he’s top five in the division, for sure… and I went out and knocked him out.

Lerone Murphy via The Ariel Helwani Show

The situation highlights broader tensions in the featherweight division, as multiple fighters vie for championship consideration. Murphy’s stance underscored the competitive stakes for top contenders as they navigate promotional decisions. With the title picture still in flux, his performance and positioning remain central.

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