Alexander Volkanovski casts doubt on facing Lerone Murphy this year, Murphy responds

Alexander Volkanovski vs. Lerone Murphy in 2026 is far from a done deal.

Since winning the featherweight title a second time at UFC 314, Volkanovski has patiently waited for his division’s contender line to sort itself out. The undefeated Movsar Evloev is in limbo, knockout artist Jean Silva was just beaten by Diego Lopes (who Volkanovski just faced for a vacant belt five months ago), and highly touted ex-Bellator signing Aaron Pico fell flat in his debut at the hands of Murphy.

That all seemed to add up to Murphy getting a crack at Volkanovski, something Volkanovski has recently suggested himself with a potential December date in mind, but now “The Great” is saying the bout is not yet official.

“It’s hard, I thought that’s what it was going to be, but there might be a spanner in the works,” Volkanovski told Submission Radio.

Volkanovski added that he might have to wait until February to fight again, with the UFC possibly heading to his native Australia.

“February in Sydney, is it February?” Volkanovski said.

Murphy was quick to respond to Volkanovski’s comments on social media, saying he still expects to be Volkanovski’s opponent even if the date changes.

“He didn’t say no to me,” Murphy said. “I think he is referring to the date. I will be ready whenever. Let’s wait and see!”

Murphy issued two quick responses to the Volkanovski news, but quickly deleted his tweets.

Murphy is yet to lose in 18 pro bouts, including a 9-0-1 mark in the UFC. He has won nine straight fights since going to a split draw in his debut against Zubaira Tukhugov at UFC 242. His past four wins have all come against ranked competition, with decisions over Edson Barboza, Dan Ige, and Josh Emmett capped off by a first-round knockout of Pico this past August.

Volkanovski is currently in his second reign as UFC featherweight champion. He successfully defended that title five consecutive times before dropping it to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, but after Topuria vacated the title to move up to 155 pounds, Volkanovski went on to reclaim it by winning a five-round decision over Lopes this past April.