Alexander Volkanovski’s second reign as featherweight champion has no shortage of challengers and Jorge Masvidal doubts he can fend them all off.
In the main event of UFC 325 on Jan. 31, Volkanovski defends his title against Diego Lopes, the man he beat to capture a vacant title this past April. Though Volkanovski won a clear-cut decision in their first meeting, the younger Lopes had his moments, and even if Volkanovski is victorious again, there is a healthy lineup of contenders waiting to pounce.
Masvidal broke down the impending threat of two of Volkanovski’s potential challengers, the undefeated Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy (9-0-1 in the UFC), and why he thinks these opponents could end up defining Volkanovski’s legacy.
“Eventually, what I see in my mind playing out is Movsar and Murphy for the title,” Masvidal said on his Death Row MMA podcast. “I don’t know when that’s going to happen, but that’s a hundred percent going to happen at some point.
“I don’t think Volk beats either of those two guys, to tell you the truth. I think Movsar will be too much with the wrestling in a different way. I know he did amazing against Islam [Makhachev] with the wrestling, Volk, so that’s saying a lot, but I think Movsar could find a way to get to his legs and make it a dog fight. He has a different pace than Islam. He’s not as technical, I think, as Islam, he’s not as savvy as Islam, but he’s got more of a motor than Islam. He’ll put up more attempts and that could cost you.”
Evloev’s title charge has been held back by injuries (the 31-year-old failed to log an in-cage appearance in 2025) and a lack of splashy in-cage moments. All nine of Evloev’s UFC wins have come by way of decision and despite some entertaining performances, he’s yet to make a no-doubt case for himself in the eyes of the matchmakers.
Murphy was in a similar situation until this past August, when he delivered a Knockout of the Year candidate in a win over former Bellator star Aaron Pico at UFC 319. However, Murphy was passed over for a title shot in favor of a Volkanovski-Lopes rematch (Lopes knocked out top contender Jean Silva in September to stay in the mix).
That might have been a fortuitous outcome for Volkanovski.
“I think Murphy vs. Volk, I also see Volk getting got,” Masvidal said. “I see Murphy right now getting him. Volk can’t control this guy. I don’t think he’ll be able take him down and hold him down. I’d be surprised if he was able to take him down, hold him down, I’d be thoroughly surprised.
“And on the feet, this guy’s way bigger, longer, crazy style of striking, explosive, and still very basic. He doesn’t do dumb things and get himself hurt or put himself in harm’s way. So I go with Murphy for the title against Volk, too.”
Masvidal also sees considerable upside in Volkanovski facing off against the likes of Lopes, Evloev, and Murphy. Should the 37-year-old manage to add three more successful title defenses to his already shining list of accomplishments, Masvidal would consider him the GOAT at 145 pounds—and possibly at any weight class.
“If Volk can pull this gauntlet off, greatest f*cking featherweight that ever lived, maybe fighter that ever lived as well,” Masvidal said. “If he could beat those next two dudes right there, that’s interdimensional shit. Another level of greatness.”
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