It has been a horrible last few weeks for the Fighting Nerds, as Jean Silva was the latest member of their team to face defeat. ‘Lord’ competed in his first main event fight at UFC Noche against former title contender Diego Lopes, who’s looking like he could fight Alexander Volkanovski again. However, a fellow featherweight star is opposed to that idea, claiming that his win over Silva isn’t enough for Lopes to get a title shot.

Lerone Murphy, who played spoiler on Aaron Pico‘s UFC debut with a knockout win, is not wrong when he said that Diego Lopes hasn’t made a case for a rematch against the Aussie champion. If we look at the rankings, Jean Silva is not in the top five, so ‘The Miracle’ claims that it’s he who should be next in line. “How is aljos name even in the mix. I’m confused. Bros 2-2 in his last 4 fights. He was a good bantamweight but an average featherweight. ONLY 1 name makes sense, and that is LERONE MURPHY,” the Englishman wrote on  X.

But then, Lerone Murphy turned his attention to Aljamain Sterling as the former bantamweight champion also wants a title shot. First of all, he ridiculed ‘Aljo’s demands for a title shot after pointing out his recent losses. Also, Murphy claims that Sterling is not the same level of fighter in the featherweight division as he was in bantamweight. “Diego done amazing against silva, but not much changes in a rematch against volk. The people want to see new match ups. I’m 17-0 for a reason. ITS MY TIME,” Murphy wrote in another tweet.

Well, this leaves Diego Lopes with Aljamain Sterling, and there is a possibility that this fight will take place in the future. Why? Well, the Brazilian star has expressed his willingness to go through one more contender to land a title shot if that’s what Dana White and Co. want. “If you think I need one more fight, I’ll take one more fight. So send me the next guy,” Lopes said in his UFC Noche Octagon interview.

Well, even fans don’t seem to have any interest in an Aljamain Sterling vs Alexander Volkanovski fight, and they’ve made it very clear on social media. Just like we said earlier, ‘Funk Master’ could end up fighting Diego Lopes next because that’s apparently what the former bantamweight champion wants.

Aljamain Sterling wants Diego Lopes for the title headliner

Aljamain Sterling was glued to the screen when Diego Lopes fought Jean Silva. After the Brazilian demolished his fellow countryman in the second round, he received an unexpected callout from the former bantamweight champion. There was no mention of Lerone Murphy, who has made a case for himself about getting the title shot next, as Sterling claims that he and Lopes could fight in a title eliminator bout.

Calling out Dana White and Co. to make his fight against Diego Lopes official, Aljamain Sterling wrote, “Winner gets the title shot. RUN IT,” on Instagram while sharing a picture of him with the former title contender. Well, no wonder this fight will be a masterclass between two of the most elite fighters in the UFC, but whether the CEO will oblige and pair the duo up is a question that only White can answer.

What cannot be ignored is timing. Volkanovski has signaled he wants to return before the year ends, and Ilia Topuria looms as another massive storyline. Murphy’s unbeaten record, Lopes’ surging momentum, and Sterling’s crossover star power all collide into a logjam at 145. However this plays out, UFC fans are witnessing one of the deepest title pictures the division has ever seen.

Well, the contenders could be bickering about who gets a title shot, but there is no doubt that this is a treat for the fans to witness a lively title scene in the featherweight division. So, let us ask you this question. Who do you think deserves a date against Alexander Volkanovski next? Drop your comments below.