The UFC Featherweight division is picking up more interest as more prospects enter the top 15.
But some fighters have earned their spot in the division long enough who deserve a shot at UFC gold.
Since Alexander Volkanovski became champion at UFC 314, challengers are gradually battling for that opportunity.
In this particular case, there are a few fighters who could face ‘The Great’ and be the next deserving opponent for the champion.
Movsar Evloev
We start off with the #1 contender, who is currently undefeated with 19 victories.
Evloev has nine fights in the UFC, all of which have gone the distance, with him winning by decision.
The Russian was supposed to take on Aaron Pico at UFC Abu Dhabi; however, Evloev dropped out of the bout due to injury.
But that fight was cancelled for the best as he can put his focus on the golden task at hand.
The Sunzha-born fighter has credible wins in the UFC, defeating the likes of Dan Ige, Diego Lopes, Arnold Allen and Aljamain Sterling.
The reason why the 31-year-old has not claimed his title shot yet is due to a lack of activity, having only fought four times in the last three years.
Plus, Evloev has yet to finish an opponent in the UFC, potentially making Dana White think he’s not an imminent title threat, and he has had several fight cancellations.
But, given his current position, you would think he will be fighting for the Featherweight title soon.
Lerone Murphy
Someone who has very recently made a statement on why they should be in title contention.
Murphy is another fighter who is undefeated, holding 16 wins and one draw in his professional career.
The Englishman’s last fight was against Pico at UFC 319 in a short-notice co-main event.
‘The Miracle’ won the fight by knockout in the first round after a spectacular spinning back elbow.
While he is ranked at #6 in the Featherweight division, Murphy has been a fighter who has not been well-recognised in the UFC.
Despite this, his last three victories, before UFC 319, have been nothing but valid, beating Ige, Josh Emmett and Edson Barboza all by unanimous decision.
Compared to Evloev, the Manchester fighter does have more stoppages, but only three have occurred in the UFC.
While he has just defeated a debutant in his last bout, Murphy is in a position where he deserves the opportunity.
Diego Lopes or Jean Silva
Noche UFC takes place on 13 September, which sees both men go face-to-face in the headliner.
Lopes fought for the vacant title at UFC 314, but of course, lost to Volkanovski by unanimous decision.
Silva fought at the same event in his last fight, submitting Bryce Mitchell in the second round.
Both men have not been in the UFC very long, but have had a quick rise while being very active.
Lopes went on an insane run after his debut loss to Evloev at UFC 288, defeating the likes of Sodiq Yusuff, Brian Ortega and Ige.
The Manaus-born fighter has plenty of finishes, and at 30 years old, he’s got plenty of time to earn a rematch.
Silva has stopped 15 of his 16 conquered opponents in MMA, making him the next dangerous prospect.
While he does sit at #10 in the 145-pound rankings, he only needs one victory to enter a title conversation.
Both Brazilians are very key to getting the opportunity, as it all comes down to how they perform at the Frost Bank Center.