Volkanovski, Lerone Murphy
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This was certainly the case after Lerone Murphy knocked Aaron Pico out cold in the first round with a devastating spinning elbow. Along with immediately receiving praise from Dana White, Murphy’s win also attracted the attention of Volkanovski, who appeared to zero in on the undefeated Brit as his next challenger.
Alexander Volkanovski drops a subtle hint about who truly deserves the next UFC title shot, sparking debate and fan speculation online.
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski warns Aaron Pico that he's a different level. Pico (13-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) said he's confident that he has the skillset to knock out Volkanovski (27-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC), and that the champion has never faced anyone with his wrestling caliber.
Calling Pico the toughest opening minutes he has ever faced, Murphy said he turned his opponent’s aggression against him. UFC President and CEO Dana White clearly approved, handing Murphy a $50,000 performance bonus, while commentator Daniel Cormier went a step further — suggesting Murphy might just be ready for a title shot.
Volkanovski went in for the takedown and fired off a barrage of big punches from top position en route to a TKO at 4 minutes, 19 seconds of the third round Saturday in the main event of UFC 290 at ...
Aaron Pico has not wasted any time making his intentions clear in the UFC. The former Bellator standout enters the promotion with a decorated wrestling pedigree and wants to test it against divisional champion Alexander Volkanovski.
MMA Junkie’s Nolan King later confirmed that he will compete at 145 pounds, meaning ‘Black Panther’ will mark the latest newcomer with their eye on Volkanovski’s gold, following on from the UFC 319 debuting Aaron Pico, who jumped ship from the PFL to the UFC this year.
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.