Snapping a four-year run of decision wins, Manchester star Lerone Murphy could not have picked a better time to rubber-stamp his title fight aspirations than UFC 319 overnight.
Matched up with promotional newcomer Aaron Pico in a high-stakes co-main event clash, British favorite Lerone Murphy enjoyed a huge performance in Chicago.
Launching a highlight-reel finish over the former PFL and Bellator star, Murphy finished Pico with a hellacious spinning-back elbow knockout in the first round of their clash.
And backed by UFC CEO Dana White to challenge for gold next, Murphy has already been offered an exact timeframe for his premiere title shot.
How Lerone Murphy matches up with Alexander Volkanovski
A perennial contender at featherweight, Murphy was in need of a statement victory to secure himself a shot at Alexander Volkanovski and the promotion’s divisional crown.
And with last night’s devastating finish of the debuting Pico, Murphy has certainly caught the attention of Volkanovski, who has already offered him a title fight.
“See you in December, @LeroneMurphy congrats #UFC319,” Volkanovksi posted on his X account.
And likely to gazump Yair Rodriguez in line for a shot at featherweight gold, Murphy will need to bring his top-level game to a showdown with ex-pound-for-pound pacesetter Volkanovski.
Best known for his all-around approach inside the Octagon, Murphy — primarily a striker — has managed to evade the dangerous skills on display from both Josh Emmett and fellow UFC 319 star Edson Barboza in high-profile wins, too.
A technically sound striker and wrestling star, akin to likely next foe Volkanovski, Murphy would conceivably face the biggest test of his impressive Octagon stint so far if pitted against the Aussie star.
Lerone Murphy’s keys to victory against Alexander Volkanovski
In order to traverse past the massive test of two-time champion Volkanovski, Murphy will need to pull a significant rabbit out of the proverbial hat.
If he’s to enter a fight with Volkanovski next, Murphy will be more than confident, that’s for sure. Boasting an undefeated 17-0-1 professional record, the Manchester Top Team star has never found himself on the receiving end of a loss in his career.
And it’s that confidence which will prove a key to success for Murphy — who can’t afford to wilt when faced with Volkanovski, like many opponents before for the New South Wales star.
Technical striking is also the name of the game for Murphy in a hypothetical matchup with Volkanovski, who is more than competent in that department himself.
Out-techniquing all but Ilia Topuria during his featherweight run, Volkanovski has styled on the likes of Diego Lopes and Chan Sung Jung, as well as three-fight foe Max Holloway.
Another key to victory for Murphy will come in his ability to seize the opportunity.
As we’ve seen — all too recently, Volkanovski has found himself on the receiving end of some big shots, namely in his losses to Islam Makhachev and his demolition at the hands of Ilia Topuria.
And despite rebounding with a title win over Lopes earlier this year, Murphy would be wise to rewatch that late second round exchange before the buzzer.
Causing a moment of chaos and luring Volkanovski into an exchange, a clubbing left hand from Lopes sent Volkanovski to the canvas.
Eventually prevailing with a win, Volkanovski has undoubtedly taken some significant shots recently that he hasn’t been within touching distance of in the past.
If Murphy can capitalize and force pressure from Volkanovski in their potential fight — while not a carbon copy of Pico, the Manchester star stands his best chance of success if he patiently searches out his moments and causes perceived chaos in range.