Lerone Murphy
The Miracle
England
Finds perfect knockout strike
Murphy defeated Aaron Pico via KO (spinning back elbow) at 3:21 of Round 1 at UFC 319 on Saturday in Chicago, Illinois.
ANALYSIS
This fight was back-and-forth for much of the first round, with Murphy looking for big shots and counters against the fence when Pico would shoot for takedowns. "Miracle" found what he was looking for, as a perfectly-timed elbow left the UFC debutante looking up at the lights. Murphy may not have one overwhelming aspect of his game, but the ability to blend different aspects of MMA, combined with in-cage intelligence, allows him to tailor his strategy for any opponent. At 17-0-1 with nine consecutive wins, it's difficult to see anyone else next in line for a shot at the featherweight title.
This fight was back-and-forth for much of the first round, with Murphy looking for big shots and counters against the fence when Pico would shoot for takedowns. "Miracle" found what he was looking for, as a perfectly-timed elbow left the UFC debutante looking up at the lights. Murphy may not have one overwhelming aspect of his game, but the ability to blend different aspects of MMA, combined with in-cage intelligence, allows him to tailor his strategy for any opponent. At 17-0-1 with nine consecutive wins, it's difficult to see anyone else next in line for a shot at the featherweight title.
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Next opponent up
Murphy will take on Aaron Pico in a featherweight matchup at UFC 319 on August 16, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Still undefeated as a professional, Murphy will look to continue building momentum following his unanimous decision victory over Josh Emmett in April. He now draws a former Bellator standout in Pico, who hasn't competed since February of 2024, but does have back-to-back stoppage wins. Murphy, a striker by trade, will hold height and reach advantages when the cage doors close. The fact that he's likely the best opponent Pico has faced to date suggests he'll enter as the betting favorite.
Still undefeated as a professional, Murphy will look to continue building momentum following his unanimous decision victory over Josh Emmett in April. He now draws a former Bellator standout in Pico, who hasn't competed since February of 2024, but does have back-to-back stoppage wins. Murphy, a striker by trade, will hold height and reach advantages when the cage doors close. The fact that he's likely the best opponent Pico has faced to date suggests he'll enter as the betting favorite.
Runs unbeaten streak to nine
Murphy defeated Josh Emmett via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
It was the toughest test of Murphy's career, and while he didn't pass the test with flying colors, he passed nonetheless. Murphy stuck to the outside, damaging Emmett's legs with kicks and using his technical striking advantage to score points in the eyes of the judges. He ate a few big blows, but handled them well. He also responded well to allowing four takedowns, not absorbing much damage on the mat. Lerone is very much a generalist, but he's a talented generalist. Murphy is now unbeaten in nine UFC bouts, going 8-0-1 in the process. The lone concern for the Brit at this point is that each of his past five wins have come via decision. You're going to have to finish your opposition sooner or later, especially when you start going up against the best in the world.
It was the toughest test of Murphy's career, and while he didn't pass the test with flying colors, he passed nonetheless. Murphy stuck to the outside, damaging Emmett's legs with kicks and using his technical striking advantage to score points in the eyes of the judges. He ate a few big blows, but handled them well. He also responded well to allowing four takedowns, not absorbing much damage on the mat. Lerone is very much a generalist, but he's a talented generalist. Murphy is now unbeaten in nine UFC bouts, going 8-0-1 in the process. The lone concern for the Brit at this point is that each of his past five wins have come via decision. You're going to have to finish your opposition sooner or later, especially when you start going up against the best in the world.
Next fight booked
Murphy will take on Josh Emmett in a featherweight bout at UFC Vegas 105 on April 5, Mike Heck of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Murphy is on some kind of heater to begin his UFC career. He still boasts a perfect unbeaten record of 7-0-1, and has yet to lose a professional fight in his entire career. He'll now take on the older and more experienced Josh Emmett, who is no slouch himself - he boasts an impressive 10-4 record and disposed of his last opponent just minutes into Round 1 with a KO (punches). Still, Murphy has three inches of height and 3.5 inches of reach on Emmett.
Murphy is on some kind of heater to begin his UFC career. He still boasts a perfect unbeaten record of 7-0-1, and has yet to lose a professional fight in his entire career. He'll now take on the older and more experienced Josh Emmett, who is no slouch himself - he boasts an impressive 10-4 record and disposed of his last opponent just minutes into Round 1 with a KO (punches). Still, Murphy has three inches of height and 3.5 inches of reach on Emmett.
Runs unbeaten streak to eight
Murphy defeated Dan Ige via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC 308 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
ANALYSIS
Priced as a hefty -275 favorite, Murphy had to work for this one. He ate a left hand from Ige early on which sent him crumbling to the mat. Remaining calm, Lerone found his way through the frame and slowly began to turn the tide with an excellent Round 2. Neither man accomplished much offensively in Round 3, but Murphy exploded with a final flurry with about 15 seconds left, and that was very likely enough to put him over the top. Currently sporting the longest unbeaten streak in the UFC featherweight division at eight (7-0-1), Murphy is closing in on title-implicating fights at 145 pounds.
Priced as a hefty -275 favorite, Murphy had to work for this one. He ate a left hand from Ige early on which sent him crumbling to the mat. Remaining calm, Lerone found his way through the frame and slowly began to turn the tide with an excellent Round 2. Neither man accomplished much offensively in Round 3, but Murphy exploded with a final flurry with about 15 seconds left, and that was very likely enough to put him over the top. Currently sporting the longest unbeaten streak in the UFC featherweight division at eight (7-0-1), Murphy is closing in on title-implicating fights at 145 pounds.
Fighting Ige at 308
Murphy will take on Dan Ige at UFC 308 on Oct. 26, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
The undefeated Englishman will look to keep his streak going after beating Edson Barboza via unanimous decision back in May. Murhpy has won six straight matches in the octagon, but he will take on a tough, veteran opponent in October. Ige (10-7) will be coming for vengeance against the still defeat-less Murphy, especially after a tough loss on four hours notice against Diego Lopes at UFC 303.
The undefeated Englishman will look to keep his streak going after beating Edson Barboza via unanimous decision back in May. Murhpy has won six straight matches in the octagon, but he will take on a tough, veteran opponent in October. Ige (10-7) will be coming for vengeance against the still defeat-less Murphy, especially after a tough loss on four hours notice against Diego Lopes at UFC 303.