That went wrong! Volkanovski's coach rules out Jean Silva for the title fight: 'He barks like a puppy'

Jean Silva next to the UFC championship belt. Photo: Jean Silva Twitter

It seems that the time has not yet come for Jean Silva to have the opportunity to fight for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg). After a few weeks of speculation favorable to the Brazilian, the course of the category seems to be heading in another direction. In an interview with 'Submission Radio' this Friday (26), Joe Lopez, coach of Alexander Volkanovski , publicly ruled out the Australian team's interest in facing Lord in the next round.

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According to the coach, the Brazilian's attempts to attract the attention of fans and the media outside the octagon will not be enough to move ahead of other athletes in the rankings and convince the champion to grant him a title shot.

“ Jean Silva , or whatever his name is, is barking like a puppy in the background, trying to make a lot of noise to see himself as next. But he doesn't deserve it. There's still Aljo and other guys above him. He has to earn his place. Don't think that just because you make a lot of noise you'll succeed, because you won't,” he exclaimed.

Joe Lopez makes it clear his team has no interest in fighting Jean Silva 👀🔥

“ Jean Silva or whatever his name is, barking like the little dog that he is in the background, trying to make a lot of noise to make himself think he's the next one. But he's not deserving. There are… pic.twitter.com/3xkCy38J2X

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 27, 2026

One of the most charismatic athletes in Brazilian MMA today, Lord is also known for generating entertainment beyond the fights and producing content for social media. Last Saturday (21), during UFC London , he approached Hunter Campbell with paper and pen to simulate signing the title fight contract.

If not Jean Silva, who will challenge Volkanovski for the title?

Movsar Evloev in victory at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In a scenario where Jean seems to be sidelined by the Australian team, the main name to occupy the number one contender spot would undoubtedly be Movsar Evloev . Undefeated in 20 professional fights and ranked first in the division, the Russian is coming off a victory against Lerone Murphy in the main event of UFC London . Furthermore, he has wins against other relevant names in the category, such as Diego Lopes , Aljamain Sterling , and Arnold Allen . Immediately after his victory last Saturday, he downplayed Lord's statements and positioned himself as Alexander Volkanovski 's next opponent.

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