UFC featherweight contender Jean Silva, ranked sixth, has declared that his next opponent should be champion Alexander Volkanovski. The Brazilian believes that Movsar Evloev, who recently secured a split decision victory over Lerone Murphy at UFC London, does not deserve the next title shot.
Silva appeared on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” where he elaborated on why the undefeated Evloev should not be the next challenger for the featherweight championship. “Lord” stated:
“It’s truly a dangerous game to let someone like Movsar become a champion… I think he’s had about 10–11 fight cancellations by this point. I, however, possess all the components, the entire formula for what a UFC champion should be. This is more than just a fighting championship; whoever holds the top spot must be able to attract viewers. I am the guy who does that. I am the known name. No one else can do it as well as I can.”
Jean Silva Issues Daring Challenge: “If Alexander Volkanovski Wins, I’ll Leave the UFC”
During the same interview with Ariel Helwani, Jean Silva added that if he loses to Alexander Volkanovski, he will exit the UFC. Addressing the reigning and two-time 145-pound champion, “Lord” said:
“My message to Volkanovski: enough with all the nonsense. Let’s look at it squarely and step into the octagon. Let’s exchange blows, and if Volkanovski wins, I’ll leave the UFC.”
Despite Silva’s challenges, Alexander Volkanovski has made it clear that he intends to fight the next top contender, emphasizing that no one should be fast-tracked to a title opportunity this time.
In a recent video, gently mocking “Lord” and referencing Silva’s TKO loss to Diego Lopes, “The Great” declared:
“Jean Silva still needs to prove himself. He fought a top guy and lost to someone I’ve beaten twice. This is becoming absurd; now you’re making me look bad by not letting me fight the number one guy.”
