Former UFC star Jorge Masvidal isn’t convinced Alexander Volkanovski’s reign atop the featherweight division will last much longer — but says the Australian would become the greatest fighter of all-time if he survives a “gauntlet” of rising challengers.
Reigning champ Volkanovski is set to defend his title on home soil when he headlines UFC 325 in just 11 days, taking on Brazilian contender Diego Lopes.
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It will mark the second meeting between the pair after the New South Welshman claimed a unanimous decision victory in their first encounter at UFC 314 in Miami last April.
But even if the 37-year-old gets past Lopes, Masvidal believes a far tougher road lies ahead, with undefeated Russian Movsar Evloev and rising British star Lerone Murphy looming as future title threats.
“Eventually, what I see in my mind playing out is Movsar and Murphy for the title,” Masvidal said on the 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.”
Murphy, who appeared to have earned a crack at the gold after flattening Aaron Pico with a spinning back elbow at UFC 319, expressed his frustration when Volk’s title fight vs Lopes was announced.
“Missing the opportunity to fight one of featherweights goats is what hurts me the most,” he posted on X.
“It’s not about who’s the best anymore. It’s about who’s most popular.”
Masvidal believes Murphy is a nightmare stylistic matchup 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.”
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Masvidal also says there’s plenty to like about Volkanovski taking on the likes of Diego Lopes, Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy.
And if the Aussie icon can somehow survive that brutal stretch, Masvidal says the conversation ends.
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“If Volk can pull this gauntlet off, greatest f**king 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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