Murphy changed Russian Movsar Evloev for the bout in opposition to American Pico after he withdrew from the competition for undisclosed causes.
Australian Volkanovski mentioned Evloev, who can also be undefeated in 19 fights, would have been the primary contender had be overwhelmed Pico, however Murphy has now leapfrogged him.
Volkanovski, 36, is a two-time featherweight champion and thought to be top-of-the-line of all time in that weight class.
He made 5 title defences earlier than defeat by Ilia Topuria final yr, however regained the belt by defeating Diego Lopes in April.
Regardless of his undefeated document, Murphy’s reserved character compared to a few of his brash friends means he has typically didn’t get due credit score for his work within the octagon.
An absence of spotlight reel moments, with Murphy incomes 5 straight choice wins earlier than dealing with Pico, additionally affected his star energy however opinion has began to shift following his spinning elbow knockout.
