Jean Silva claims he's next for UFC featherweight title shot

Jean Silva says he is jumping the queue for the next UFC featherweight title shot ahead of undefeated contender Movsar Evloev.

Silva told MMAJunkie he expects to challenge Alexander Volkanovski before the year ends, even though the champion has repeatedly named Evloev as the top contender at 145 pounds. "I'm the next one in line for the title," Silva said, per the outlet. "I'm the next one that's gonna get that belt. I'm taking that belt back to Brazil."

Silva willing to take one more fight before Volkanovski

The Brazilian added that his team — including manager Hunter Campbell and UFC president Dana White — is working to clear a path to the belt. Silva said he thinks Evloev's chances of facing Volkanovski this year are slim, and he stands ready if the champion wants an opponent. If not, Silva is willing to face someone else first.

Silva pointed to Evloev's record of 10 UFC wins without a single finish as the reason the Russian has not secured a title shot despite his 20-0 run. "I just think he has been stuck, he just hasn't progressed," Silva said. "This is a business, you need to sell your fights, you need to perform. If you don't perform, people are gonna outperform you."

Silva has stopped five of his six UFC victories, with his lone loss coming against Diego Lopes. He bounced back with a decision win over Arnold Allen in January.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Jean Silva believe’s he’s 'next one in line' for UFC title shot