UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has a name and date in mind for his next fight. Volkanovski called out Lerone Murphy after his highlight reel knockout of Aaron Pico at UFC 319. If Volkanovski has his way, the fight will take place this year.

Murphy substantially elevated his stock on Saturday, stopping Pico with a wild spinning back elbow in UFC 319’s co-main event. Volkanovski called out Murphy immediately after the fight, then elaborated on the callout.

“I think it’s a bit of a no-brainer,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel on Sunday. “December’s looking good…”

The UFC hasn’t announced events past November 22 but traditionally closes the year with a pay-per-view at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. Murphy acknowledged Volkanovski’s initial callout at the UFC 319 post-fight press conference.

“December would be perfect for me… I’ve had 10 fights in the UFC now… it’s time for a title fight,” Murphy stated.

Murphy’s impressive victory pushed him to No. 4 in the UFC official featherweight rankings, solidifying his claim for a title shot. However, that may come at the expense of top-ranked contender Movsar Evloev. Volkanovski, who previously attempted to set up a fight with Evloev before he pulled out, is now focused on Murphy.

In early 2025, Volkanovski recaptured the featherweight title by defeating Diego Lopes, and he is eager for his next challenge.