Patricio „Pitbull“ Freire has called for a fight against Lerone
Murphy as both look to move closer to a title shot.
After Alexander
Volkanovski finished Movsar
Evloev to defend the
Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title at
UFC 333, Murphy weighed in on the 145-pound title picture. The
Englishman said he believes the top contenders each need another
win to secure a title shot, drawing a callout from Freire.
Patricio Freire argues Lerone Murphy is his best available
opponent after Alexander Volkanovski’s UFC 333 win
Murphy (17-1-1) says he’s been told that he needs a win over a
top-five featherweight to fight for the title and believes the same
should apply to other leading contenders.
“Who’s next for the featherweight title? I still think all
contenders need 1 more fight,” Murphy wrote on X. “I was told I
need to beat someone in the Top 5 before I do, that should apply to
all.”
Freire (38-9) then made his case for a bout against Murphy, saying
several other featherweights are booked, injured, coming off losses
or have moved up to lightweight.
“Of the Top 15, Evloev just lost, Lopes, Costa and Ortega moved up,
Sterling is fighting Vallejos, Jean is waiting for the title shot,”
Freire replied. “Yair and Allen are injured, Zalal, Garcia and
Onama are coming off losses, and you beat Pico. I’m the one that
makes sense now. Let’s get it done.”
Murphy was on the cusp of title contention before suffering his
first professional loss against Evloev in March. Meanwhile,
“Pitbull” has alternated between wins and losses since joining the
UFC, going 2-2 in the promotion. The Brazilian finished Doo Ho Choi
in his most recent bout in September.
Of the top 15, Evloev just lost, Lopes,
Costa and Ortega moved up, Sterling is fighting Vallejos, Jean is
waiting for the title shot. Yair and Allen are injured, Zalal,
Garcia and Onama are coming off losses, and you beat Pico. I’m the
one that makes sense now. Let’s get it done.— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull)
October 26, 2026