Movsar Evloev didn’t see much improvement in Diego Lopes’ game in the rematch with Alexander Volkanovski.
Lopes was given a second opportunity to capture the UFC Featherweight Championship against “The Great” in late January. Many scoffed at UFC’s choice to put Lopes back in the title mix so soon after he dropped a unanimous decision to Volkanovski back in April 2025. The rematch took place at UFC 325, and Volkanovski once again proved he’s the more complete fighter.
In the aftermath of UFC 325, Evloev told MMAJunkie.com that Lopes was undeserving of a second crack at UFC gold.
“Murphy won by good performance, then he’s supposed to fight for the title then they gave the title shot to Diego again, and OK, no problem,” Evloev said. “I will wait. Then he showed us nothing changes from the first title fight with Volk. It was no reason to give him that title shot again. But now we know, and everybody knows, also the UFC knows. So now me and Murphy will share the place for No. 1 contender for the title.”
Evolev is scheduled to fight Lerone Murphy in the main event of a UFC London card on March 21. While some might think it’s a high stakes featherweight bout with title implications, the UFC brass doesn’t solely grant title shots based on rankings or even merit these days. Star power and exciting fighting styles are prioritized in the top MMA promotion.
If Evloev or Murphy can score a spectacular knockout, then it’ll increase the winner’s chances of challenging Volkanovski this year. If the fight is uneventful, then that likely wouldn’t bode well for whoever emerges victorious inside the O2 Arena. Stick with BJPenn.com for continued coverage of UFC London.
Do you think Movsar Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy will actually be a No. 1 contender fight? Be sure to drop a comment below.