Jean Silva has taken a swipe at current and two-time 145-pound kingpin Alexander Volkanovski.
Earlier tonight, ‘The Great’ headlined UFC 325 opposite Diego Lopes and cruised to a unanimous decision win after a well-fought technical battle.
Following the first successful defense of his second reign, the Australian has made it clear at the post-fight presser that undeserving fighters shouldn’t be fast-tracked to a title shot.
In 2025, after capturing the vacant strap at UFC 314, Volkanovski wanted to defend his title against undefeated contenders Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy. However, the promotion gifted Lopes the title rematch, which he lost in a similar manner to UFC 314.
Other fighters, including Arman Tsarukyan, who has teased a move down, and Jean Silva, who secured a win earlier this month at UFC 324, have their crosshairs on the featherweight championship next.
However, Alexander Volkanovski has made it clear that next time he wants to defend his title against a top contender and won’t let others “cut the line.”
“I’ve got a responsibility as a champion. I don’t think enough champions look at it that way. There are rankings for a reason. If I’m just going to keep letting other people cut the line, I’m not really doing my part.”
Check out Alexander Volkanovski’s comments below:
Jean Silva takes a swipe at Alexander Volkanovski
Jean Silva, who returned to the win column at UFC 324 against Arnold Allen, now wants to fight for the title, although he has not yet secured a spot in the top five.
Earlier tonight, after hearing Alexander Volkanovski’s desire to fight Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy next, ‘Lord’ took to X and opined that champions don’t pick opponents:
“A champion’s responsibility is to defend the belt. It doesn’t matter who it’s against. If the company puts someone in front of you, you fight. Champions don’t pick opponents. Champions defend.”
Check out Jean Silva’s comments below:
Silva plans to train with Ilia Topuria, the man who sent Alexander Volkanovski to the shadow realm in 2024, and is confident that he can break the 37-year-old with help from ‘El Matador.’