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

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 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.

UFC 319 is officially in the books, and while Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant win over Dricus Du Plessis stole headlines in the main event, it was Lerone Murphy who delivered one of the night’s most viral moments.

Carlos Prates landed a savage spinning elbow knockout win over Geoff Neal at UFC 319. In the very next fight, Murphy connected with the same scary strike to put Pico to sleep and make his case for a 145lb title shot. Volkanovski’s immediate reaction to the sickening finish suggests the Englishman is next in line.

Featherweight UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski accepts UFC 319 fighter's callout, confirms December title fight.

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.

Ever since Aaron Pico signed with Bellator as a blue-chip prospect in 2014, it seemed inevitable that he would fight in the UFC. It comes Saturday.