Lerone Murphy is undefeated in UFC and the winner of nine straight.
That might sound like it’s good enough for a crack at the featherweight crown, but matchmakers have a history of snubbing worthy contenders they might deem unfit to carry a main event title fight. With that in mind, don’t expect to see Murphy return until the promotion travels across the pond in late March.
“I believe they’re going to book me for London, that’s what it looks like anyways,” Murphy told Demetrious Johnson. “I think they’re going to book me for London. To me, that’s the same fight — Aljamain Sterling or Movsar — same fight. Same problem, similar styles. I’m preparing myself for that fight in March.”
Unfortunately for the No. 4-ranked Murphy, a victory in London will not be enough to score a featherweight title shot against Alex Volkanovski. That’s because Murphy expects “The Great” to retire after his upcoming title defense (and 145-pound rematch) against Diego Lopes at UFC 325 in Australia.
“Now I don’t get the chance to fight Volkanovski,” Murphy added. “I know he’s going to retire after this fight. Being able to test my skills against a legend, having his name on my resume is massive. It’s something that I’m never going to be able to get. Not because I didn’t earn it, because of obviously favoritism and whatever.”
Volkanovski insists he has no plans to retire in 2026.
