A featherweight match-up between Aljamain Sterling and Lerone Murphy is being targeted for UFC 325 in Sydney.
Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes 2 has been confirmed as the UFC 325 main event on January 31, with Sterling vs Murphy now targeted for a main card slot.
Aljamain Sterling vs Lerone Murphy Targeted For UFC 325
Aljamain Sterling vs Lerone Murphy is reportedly in the works and is being officially targeted for UFC 325.
In the UFC 325 main event, Alexander Volkanovski vs Movsar Evloev was said to be officially signed, but ‘The Great’ will instead face the #2 ranked Diego Lopes in a rematch in Sydney on January 31.
Volkanovski vs Lopes is set to go down for the second time following their first fight for the UFC Featherweight Title back in April. Although Volkanovski won via unanimous decision, the rematch has been officially signed for the UFC 325 main event.
No other fights have been confirmed for UFC 325 just yet, with several rumours of big names and potential match-ups taking place at the Qudos Bank Arena in the second numbered card of 2026.
Paddy Pimblett’s UFC Title shot has been confirmed for UFC 324 on January 24, with fellow Brit Murphy now looking like he will feature a week later in a huge fight of his own at UFC 325.
Murphy is rumoured to be facing former bantamweight champion Sterling, who is ranked one place below him in the current 145-pound standings. Not only that, but the pair had a brief exchange on social media after Sterling called Murphy out.
With Lopes granted the next title shot at ‘Volk’ and Evloev seemingly left in the lurch, Sterling vs Murphy does make total sense next.
Although not yet confirmed, having a featherweight bout between the #4 and #4 ranked contenders makes total sense, particularly if one of the main event fighters pulls out through injury.
🚨BREAKING: Aljamain Sterling vs Lerone Murphy is being Targeted for #UFC325 at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia pic.twitter.com/4Jq0oitmhn
— Octagon Pulse | UFC MEDIA🚨 (@OctagonPulse) December 2, 2025
Sterling vs Murphy Winner Next In Line For UFC Featherweight Title Shot
For a while it looked like Lerone Murphy was going to be next to challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC Featherweight Title, but that isn’t the case at UFC 325 with Diego Lopes instead being given a second chance at winning the 145-pound strap.
Although Murphy was rightfully frustrated at missing out on his maiden shot at UFC gold, he simply cannot be denied if he is to beat Aljamain Sterling next.
The winner of Sterling vs Murphy simply must be next for the 145-pound title, whether that be against Volkanovski, Lopes or indeed a vacant shot against someone like Yair Rodriguez or Movsar Evloev.
Evloev called out Murphy and Lopes back in mid-September, but looks like he will have to sit on the sidelines for a little while longer.
If Sterling vs Murphy gets officially made and features at UFC 325, there is no doubt that the winner will fight for the featherweight belt next. Period.
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Who Will The Sterling vs Murphy Favourite Be?
Although odds for Aljamain Sterling vs Lerone Murphy won’t be available until the fight is officially confirmed, price-setters will find it hard to split the pair.
Murphy might well go in as a slight favourite given the fact he is undefeated and is fresh off the back of receiving one of the coveted UFC bonuses for his Round 1 KO of Aaron Pico at UFC 319.
That being said, ‘The Funkmaster’ is a former champion down at 135-pounds, and also looked good last time out in beating Brian Ortega.
Sterling’s only two losses in the last eight years have been to Sean O’Malley and Movsar Evloev, proving that he remains one of the best fighters on the UFC roster. If Murphy is to beat him, it proves he is up there with one of the best and deserves his shot next at the 145-pound belt.
Missing the opportunity to fight one of featherweights goats is what hurts me the most. It’s not about who’s the best anymore. It’s about who’s most popular
— LERONE MURPHY (@LeroneMurphy) November 27, 2025
