Undefeated English featherweight Lerone Murphy claimed the biggest win of his professional MMA career with a unanimous decision victory over Octagon veteran Edson Barboza at UFC Vegas 92.
Murphy dominated Barboza through all five rounds of his first UFC main event, with only one judge (Derek Cleary) giving Barboza a round (the first) in a virtual shutout victory for the Englishman against the Brazilian legend.
Murphy started out smartly and immediately established his boxing range, using a sharp jab that would be Barboza’s torment throughout the 25-minute duration.
But it was much more than just a jab-and-move performance from Murphy. “The Miracle” connected with sharp straight shots from range, then stepped in and connected with big hooks as he mixed up his attack to the head and body. He even gave Barboza a little taste of his own medicine with some well-placed leg kicks.
For his part, Barboza took plenty of punishment, but was far from a walking punchbag. He connected with plenty of solid strikes of his own, leaving Murphy’s nose bloodied up by the fight’s conclusion. And, right at the end of the first round, Barboza cracked Murphy hard with an up kick that sent the Manchester man back to his corner looking decidedly dazed.
But there was no debate over the winner, as Murphy took the decision with scores of 49-46, 50-45, 50-45 to claim the biggest scalp of his career. And with a win over the division’s number-12 contender, Murphy looks set to break into the UFC featherweight rankings with his undefeated record intact, and his sights set on the top 10.
After his victory, he admitted that he had to recover after that first-round up kick from Barboza.
“Until I got to the corner and saw the big screen, I didn’t know what hit me!” he told Paul Felder immediately after the fight.
“Bro, I come here to die. I came here for a war. I packed all my stuff in a suitcase in the hotel. I didn’t even know if I was coming home. That’s what I was coming for.”
And Murphy then explained that he wants his shot at the division’s elite after defeating one of the most seasoned, dangerous fighters in the weight class.
“I’ve had the hardest road out here, and I’ve put in the work and continue to climb,” he said.
“I’m not really bothered about rankings, I’m just trying to get to that title. I just took out a legend. Edson Barboza was on a two fight fight winning streak. I deserve the recognition now. I’ve been in there with the best of the best. And I’ve shown my worth.
“I’m going to change my name back to ‘The Iceman,’ cos there’s nothing miraculous about this. I’m meant to be here. Destiny. I’m meant to be here and I’m going to be champion. Simple.”
Then, after being asked what makes him special in the UFC’s featherweight division, Murphy shared the motivation that powers him to success inside the Octagon.
“I feel like I’m living on extra time, so I gotta make the most of it, man,” he said.
“I mean, I’m out here grinding, bro. I’ve got to put food on the table. I’ve got to put food on the table for my family. I want to change people’s lives. I’ve got a loving family there that deserves the best, and I’m gonna do it. I’m gonna put it on the on the table for them – simple.”
UFC Vegas 92: Official results
MAIN CARD
- Lerone Murphy def. Edson Barboza via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)
- Khaos Williams def. Carlston Harris via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 1:30
- Themba Gorimbo def. Ramiz Brahimaj via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Adrian Yanez def. Vinicius Salvador via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:47
- Angela Hill def. Luana Pinheiro via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 4:12
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Tom Nolan def. Victor Martinez via TKO (knee to the body) – Round 1, 3:50
- Oumar Sy def. Tuco Tokkos via submission (face crank) – Round 1, 3:43
- Melissa Gatto def. Tamires Vidal via TKO (body punch) – Round 3, 0:37
- Abus Magomedov def. Warlley Alves via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
- Ariane Carnelossi def. Piera Rodriguez via disqualification (headbutts) – Round 2, 3:16
- Alateng Heili def. Kleydson Rodrigues via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Vanessa Demopoulos def. Emily Ducote via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
A sports editor and MMA reporter with 25 years' experience in sports media, Simon has covered mixed martial arts since 2009 for a host of national and international outlets, including UFC, BBC Sport, MMA Junkie/USA Today, BT Sport and the Daily Mirror.