Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy are all set to collide on March 21 at UFC Fight Night London, and the interesting bit is that the winner of this fight will likely face Alexander Volkanovski for the belt. At first glance, both featherweights look like tough challenges for ‘The Great,’ and he’s never one to back down from either of them. Even so, which contender would the champion prefer? Volkanovski has finally answered.

Talking about his dream matchups, the two-time featherweight champion mentioned his interest in fighting lightweight champ Ilia Topuria in a rematch at 155 lbs. However, as a champion, ‘Volk’ feels obligated to put his belt on the line against the winner of UFC London, and he believes the undefeated Movsar Evloev is the most deserving. With wins over top 10 featherweights, including Arnold Allen and Aljamain Sterling, Evloev is a strong contender.

“I’ll be honest, if an opportunity comes my way and the lightweight title is on the line,” Volkanovski said in his YouTube video, “I don’t care if I don’t deserve it, I’m going to take it. But I’m not going to sit there and say, ‘Oh give me the lightweight title,’ when I’ve got Movsar, Lerone Murphy, all these other guys in my division that deserve it, right? I’ve got to respect that.

I’ve always said Conor McGregor, but right now? Like Movsar. Obviously, Lerone Murphy as well, but right now it’s like Movsar. I haven’t fought him yet, and he’s probably the most deserving, undefeated. I like that he’s undefeated as well,” he added.

When it comes to ‘The Great’s interest in facing the undefeated 19-0 Russian, his desire dates back to when he first beat Diego Lopes at UFC 314 to win the featherweight throne in Miami last year for the second time. After the win, Volkanovski called out Evloev for a clash. But, unfortunately, the fight didn’t materialize, as the Ingushetia native stepped away from a fight against Aaron Pico as he contracted coronavirus while training in Thailand. A win against Pico could have made him the next contender for Volkanovski’s title.

Meanwhile, Lerone Murphy took the fight against Pico at UFC 319 and caught ‘Volk’s attention after Murphy landed a beautiful spinning backfist knockout. Following that stellar win, the 145 lbs champ’s coach also revealed that the undefeated Brit was in the mix for a title shot at UFC 325. However, Diego Lopes’ stunning performance against Jean Silva at UFC Noche changed everything, as the Brazilian-Mexican went on to lose against Volkanovski for the second time in Sydney.

Now, as ‘The Great’ is set to face the winner of Evloev vs Murphy, Volkanovski has already predicted that the Russian would emerge victorious at UFC London. So, with that backing, the #1 featherweight contender has decided to return the respect. 

Movsar Evloev hails Alexander Volkanovski’s championship spirit  

Although Movsar Evloev is all set to give it his all inside the Octagon this weekend and then set his sights toward ‘The Great,’ he has nothing but respect. Hailing the featherweight champ’s will, the Russian applauded Volkanovski’s desire to fight the best and can’t wait to square up in the future.

“Look, that’s how real champions talk,” Evloev said about Volkanovski. “I was waiting for him, nothing disrespectful, but this guy is a real man. He’s fighting with the best and that’s why he became the best featherweight of all time. He deserves this, and I can’t wait to fight him after Murphy. I have a name like him on my list.”

Now, as Movsar Evloev is highly excited to face Alexander Volkanovski in the foreseeable future, it has to be noted that Lerone Murphy would bring a tough challenge for him on March 21. The fight presents a classic striker vs. grappler dynamic. Evloev’s wrestling and top control have been the key to his success, but he will face Murphy’s powerful counter-striking, particularly the spinning attacks that knocked out Pico.

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That said, who do you think will be facing Alexander Volkanovski next? Let us know in the comments section below.