UFC London: Leron Murphy shuts down talk about Jean Silva’s title

Leron Murphy says the winner of his bout with Movsar Ivlov at UFC London on Saturday should be next in line to challenge for the featherweight title and “it shouldn’t be any other way.”

Briton Murphy, who is ranked third in the UFC featherweight rankings, faces the top-seeded Russian in the main event at the O2 Arena.

Despite the fighters being highly rated, the UFC has not officially ranked her as the number one contender for the championship held by Australian Alexander Volkanovski.

Brazilian Jean Silva, who is ranked sixth in the world rankings, says he is set to jump the queue and sign a contract to fight Volkanovski – a claim that has been shut down by Murphy.

“Well who knows? [Silva’s] 1-1 in his last two matches. “The winner from me and Mosvar are in contention for the title and it shouldn’t be any other way,” Murphy said.

“You never know in this game. It’s all about the finishing performance. I want it to be undeniable so they can’t give me the chance.”

Manchester fighter Murphy is unbeaten in the first 18 fights of his career, with his last bout in August ending in spectacular fashion when he knocked out Aaron Biko with an elbow.