Not yet, “Lord.”
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Brazilian fan-favorite Jean Silva scored the biggest win of his career at UFC 324 last weekend (Sat., Jan. 24, 2026), outworking the ultra-durable Arnold Allen to a unanimous decision victory inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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The win immediately launched Silva into the division’s elite and title conversation, and he didn’t waste time capitalizing on the moment. Following the bout, Silva called for the winner of this weekend’s UFC 325 main event in Sydney, Australia, where Alexander Volkanovski rematches Diego Lopes for the Featherweight title.
Given the current state of the division — where meritocracy often feels optional — Silva’s callout didn’t feel completely outlandish. Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy remain unbeaten, yet both were passed over as the UFC opted for a quick and somewhat puzzling Volkanovski vs. Lopes rematch. In that context, Silva leapfrogging the line wouldn’t exactly be shocking.
Still, Volkanovski isn’t buying it.
“I thought that was going to be a real challenge for him, and he passed it — he looked really good in the later rounds as well,” Volkanovski told reporters during UFC 325 media day. “That’s what you want to see from a prospect against a guy like Arnold. Arnold’s calculated, he’s fit, he’s got cardio — and Silva showed he could match that and still get the win. It was promising.”
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Praise aside, the champ drew a firm line.
“Has he earned a title shot just yet? I don’t think so,” Volkanovski added. “I think you’re going to get Movsar and Lerone fighting — and that obviously makes the most sense for me. When you look at their records and resumes, legacy-wise, that looks great for me.”
When Volk speaks, the UFC listens … right?
Apparently not because previously pushed for matchups with Murphy and Evloev after Murphy’s brutal knockout of Aaron Pico (watch highlights), yet neither bout materialized. And with Silva quickly becoming one of the promotion’s hottest new names, logic may once again take a back seat.
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For now, though, Volkanovski has business to handle. Lopes awaits this weekend, and regardless of future contenders, the reigning champ knows better than to look past a dangerous opponent standing directly in front of him.
For more on UFC 325 and the upcoming Paramount+ event click here.
