Silva Blasts Volkanovski's Coach After Title Shot Dismissal

Jean Silva rejected Alexander Volkanovski's coach dismissing his claim to a featherweight title shot.

Silva responded to recent comments from Joe Lopez, who suggested Aljamain Sterling deserves the next crack at Volkanovski's belt after the champion stopped Movsar Evloev at UFC 333. Lopez made the comments despite Volkanovski having previously named Silva as a potential challenger.

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Silva Questions Coach's Position On Title Challenger

Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Silva said he takes issue with anyone suggesting he isn't the top contender. "I do not accept someone saying that I'm not the most deserving or that I don't deserve (a title shot)," he told The Ariel Helwani Show, per BJPenn.com. "I accept people not wanting to face me, but not to say, 'You are not the most deserving of this title'."

Silva pointed to a recent UFC fan poll that favored him for the next title shot. He also noted the disconnect between Volkanovski praising him as a challenger and Lopez backing Sterling instead.

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Sterling faces Kevin Vallejos at UFC Qatar next month. Silva has won back-to-back fights over Jose Delgado and Arnold Allen. Volkanovski could move up to lightweight to face Justin Gaethje or return to defend his featherweight strap.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Jean Silva slams Alexander Volkanovski’s coach after title shot dismissal