In his debut main event at the UFC Apex on Saturday, Lerone Murphy delivered an impressive performance, securing a unanimous decision victory over veteran Edson Barboza. This outstanding display marked an ideal milestone in Murphy’s career. In short, his UFC Fight Night 241 experience was everything he had hoped for and more.
Continue reading to find out more about what he said and what his new exciting plans are.
Murphy expressed his excitement after the fight and mentioned that he had never faced an opponent of that caliber before and appreciated the opportunity to complete an additional two rounds. He also shared that he spoke with matchmaker Sean Shelby, who emphasized the importance of fighting five-round bouts to reach the top. Reflecting on the experience, Murphy described it as a dream come true and expressed his desire to fight again, possibly in a larger arena next time.
He stated that Saturday’s victory over a well-established opponent in the division brought him closer to his ultimate goal of becoming a champion. He mentioned that he feels his rate of improvement is accelerating and believes he is on track to reach the level of a titleholder one day.
Murphy expressed his confidence in his potential to become a champion, stating that he has demonstrated the necessary level of skill and is continually improving. He mentioned that despite focusing on refining a few aspects during his training camp, he felt uncertain about his preparation going into the fight. However, he acknowledged significant growth, particularly in his footwork and striking. Murphy emphasized that he is still developing rapidly and believes he has much more room for improvement, which bolsters his confidence in eventually securing the title.
Looking ahead, Murphy, despite his swollen and bloody face, expressed hope for a quick return to action in his hometown of Manchester, England, at UFC 304. The event, scheduled for July 27 at Co-op Arena, will feature bouts including Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad and Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes.
Murphy plans to take daily ice baths and rest to recover, aiming to fight at the Manchester event. If he doesn’t compete, he’ll attend to support his fellow fighters, including Leon Edwards. He is eager to face anyone in the top 10 of the featherweight division, emphasizing its competitiveness and his readiness for challenging fights.
What are your predictions for his future fights? Will he perform just as well or crash and burn? Let us know in the comments below!
