Alexander Volkanovski has been issued an intriguing UFC title challenge by Lerone Murphy, who plans to punch his way into an Ashes blockbuster via a highlight reel KO at UFC 319.
On an undefeated tear stretching nine years and 17 fights, Murphy insists a Volkanovski bout is “definite” if he upsets American Aaron Pico on Sunday’s UFC pay-per-view.
Better, the 34-year-old UK fighter insists he will then go upset the reigning UFC featherweight champ, stressing he is sharper, faster, and boasts a fight IQ capable of beating the Australian “at his own game”.
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Despite being ranked at No.6 in the featherweight division – and a $2.45 TAB outsider against Pico – Murphy tells Fox Sports Australia he not only deserves next shot at Volkanovski, but wins gold.
“I think it’s an exciting match up and I rate Volk highly,” the Englishman said this week.
“He is a high quality fighter, boasts an incredible style and I’ve learned a lot of things from watching him.
“I’ve always envisioned us fighting from when he first became champion and I think it would be a great fight for true MMA fans.
“Obviously I have a tough fight in front of me this weekend.
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“But looking beyond that, I would love to face Alex Volkanovski.”
So as for how it goes?
“It would be a chess match,” Murphy continued, “where I’d have the best strategy.
“It’s me making the best decisions.
“Being the sharper, faster fighter … beating him at his own game really.
“While I’d also have the size advantage, I don’t believe that matters as much given he has beaten Diego Lopes and Yair Rodriguez.
“But I’m strong as well.
“And I believe when you’ve got similar styles and are both very smart, it also can come down to something like that.”
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia earlier in the week, Pico suggested he not only planned to win by knockout in Sunday’s co-main, but then double down for a similar result against Volkanovski.
Yet Murphy stresses it will be him who gets the finish.
“And that makes the title shot definite,” he said. “You couldn’t argue with it if I get a finish.
“Obviously Movsar (Evloev) was supposed to fight for that number one contender spot.
“And everyone said if he wins, he gets the title shot next.
“So I believe we’ve been put in that spot now.
“Usually for big cards like this one, there are two title fights, right?
“So with us in the co-main, it shows the UFC knows this is a massive fight.
“And I do think the winner gets a title shot.”
Importantly this Sunday, rankings matter little if someone earns a big finish, right?
“You’ve hit the nail on the head there,” Murphy agreed.
“The UFC is a performance-based company and we’ve seen recently that the rankings don’t mean anything.
Volk declares he would “Crumble” Pico | 00:58
“All it means is that your name goes into the hat.
“But it’s performance based.
“And if fans want you in a fight, the UFC are going to put it on.
“So it’s important to go out there and look good.”
Told there was already talk of Volk headlining a Las Vegas card in December, Murphy continued: “That would be perfect for me.
“Obviously we’re going in there for war this weekend.
“But if I come out healthy, then that date is 100 per cent what I would be going for.
“I initially thought if I won this fight the title shot would be in November.
“So a month later is even better.
“It gives me a chance to recoup, spend some time with the family and put a game plan together for what will be a tough fight against Volk.”
Once hailed MMA’s most exciting prospect, Pico would initially lose his 2017 Bellator debut before then building up to become one of the featherweight division’s most dangerous fighters.
So as for what chance history repeats as Pico, having finally switched organisations in recent months, now prepares for his UFC debut?
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“Look you live and you learn, right?” Murphy said.
“Yes, he started his MMA career badly.
“But we’ve seen him get better and better.
“And that’s why I think I’ll be facing the best Aaron Pico this weekend.
“He’s been dreaming of fighting in the UFC for years.
“This is his opportunity.
“So it now depends on how he takes that pressure.
“It’s a big stage to step on.
“And he has a lot of expectations to meet.
“So maybe he makes some mistakes in there.
“That’s what I’m hoping for, that he feels the pressure and tries to outdo that and be aggressive.
“But we’ll see.”
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