When it comes to the biggest threat to Alexander Volkanovski’s second UFC featherweight reign, one analyst does not expect it to be his likely next fight.
Volkanovski has been awaiting confirmation of his next assignment ever since returning to the throne in the main event of UFC 314 this past April.
After Ilia Topuria vacated the title, Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes in a vintage performance that showed he is far from done inside the Octagon.
The first challenger of Volkanovski’s sophomore rule at 145 pounds is expected to be Lerone Murphy, who staked his claim by knocking out Aaron Pico at UFC 319 in August.
But rather than the undefeated Englishman, a UFC veteran thinks the Australian’s toughest test will actually come against the man he beat just five months ago.
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UFC analyst names Diego Lopes as the biggest threat to Alexander Volkanovski
Lopes finished Jean Silva at Noche UFC this past Saturday to bounce back from his failed title bid and stake his claim for another.
For now, UFC veteran Michael Chiesa wants to see the champ in first-time fights. But ‘Maverick’ does see the Brazilian fan favorite as the toughest test for Volkanovski despite what happened in Miami earlier this year.
“For the time that we do have left with Volkanovski, I think we do want fresh fights,” Chiesa told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn on The Bohnfire.
“I think Lerone Murphy has punched his ticket, honestly. For him to be undefeated in main events, in the UFC, and roll the dice on three weeks’ notice (at UFC 319), he had a tough weight cut and takes on Aaron Pico, who is very dangerous.
“I’m a big Diego Lopes fan,” Chiesa continued. “I think the biggest challenge for Volkanovski is not Lerone Murphy. I think the biggest challenge for Volkanovski is going to be Diego Lopes, because he pushed him pretty damn hard that first fight.
“A fighter of Diego Lopes’ caliber only comes back better after a loss when they’re in their prime. He’s been spending time at Oklahoma State Wrestling, and really I think that’s the most dangerous fight for Volkanovski right now is that rematch with Lopes.”
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Lerone Murphy disagrees about Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes 2
One man who strongly disagrees with Chiesa’s viewpoint is the consensus number one contender at 145 pounds.
As Murphy reiterated his claim to the Volkanovski fight on social media, the Briton dismissed Lopes’ claim by insisting his rematch with the Australian would play out just like their UFC 314 main event.
“Diego done amazing against Silva but not much changes in a rematch against Volk,” Murphy wrote on X.
“The people want to see new matchups. I’m 17-0 for a reason. IT’S MY TIME!”