Alexander Volkanovski has announced who he will face in his next title defence later this year. The Australian star was watching UFC 319, paying special attention to the co-main event featuring Lerone Murphy and Aaron Pico.

This was certainly the case after Lerone Murphy knocked Aaron Pico out cold in the first round with a devastating spinning elbow. Along with immediately receiving praise from Dana White, Murphy’s win also attracted the attention of Volkanovski, who appeared to zero in on the undefeated Brit as his next challenger.

Alexander Volkanovski drops a subtle hint about who truly deserves the next UFC title shot, sparking debate and fan speculation online.

In the UFC, timing is everything. When opportunity knocks, you’ve got to not only answer but slam the door shut with authority. That’s exactly what Lerone Murphy did at UFC 319. Originally slotted in as a replacement opponent for Aaron Pico after Movsar Evloev pulled out, Murphy wasn’t expected to steal the spotlight.

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski warns Aaron Pico that he's a different level. Pico (13-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) said he's confident that he has the skillset to knock out Volkanovski (27-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC), and that the champion has never faced anyone with his wrestling caliber.

Aaron Pico has not wasted any time making his intentions clear in the UFC. The former Bellator standout enters the promotion with a decorated wrestling pedigree and wants to test it against divisional champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Alexander Volkanovski had a fiery response to a UFC 319 newcomer who is promising to upset the apple cart. Before Khamzat Chimaev challenges Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight title in Saturday’s pay-per-view main event, a number of other ranked names and charging contenders will be in action at Chicago’s United Center.