LAS VEGAS – Lerone Murphy discovered UFC Battle Night time 241 to be every little thing he hoped after which some.
In his first most important occasion Saturday on the UFC Apex, Murphy (14-0-1 MMA, 6-0-1 UFC) defeated seasoned veteran Edson Barboza (24-12 MMA, 18-12 UFC) by unanimous determination (49-46, 50-45, 50-45) in a largely dominant displaying. The expertise was the proper subsequent step.
“It feels nice,” Murphy advised reporters together with MMA Junkie at a post-fight information convention. “Going 5 rounds with Edson is an enormous expertise for me. Clearly, I’ve not fought no person at that degree. Doing an additional two rounds, as effectively, was totally different for me and I’m glad I acquired to financial institution them.
“I spoke to (matchmakaer) Sean Shelby within the again, as effectively. He stated that’s the best way to get to the highest: You might want to struggle five-round fights. So it’s good to get that beneath my belt. … (It’s a) dream come true. I’d like to struggle right here once more, and lots of extra occasions, perhaps in an enormous enviornment subsequent time. Let’s see.”
Murphy stated Saturday’s win over a divisional staple inched him nearer towards his final objective of being champion. Murphy stated he feels his price of enchancment is accelerated and on monitor to in the future hit a titleholder degree.
“I will be champion,” Murphy stated. “I’ve proven that degree now. I’m solely getting higher. That’s the scary factor. This entire camp, I used to be engaged on only a few little bits. I used to be form of, not scared going into the struggle, however I didn’t have that excellent but. I do know I’m nonetheless rising at a large price. I’m going to get higher and higher. Even simply my footwork regarded higher in that struggle. My putting was higher. I’m enhancing and my ceiling remains to be right here. I’m nonetheless right here. I really feel like I can enhance a lot better than I’m already and I may get that title.”
As for what’s subsequent, Murphy (regardless of his swollen and bloody face as he spoke on the subject) nonetheless holds hope for a turnaround in his native Manchester, England at UFC 304. The occasion is July 27 at Co-op Enviornment and options Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad and Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes.
“I’m going to leap in an ice bathtub on daily basis subsequent week. I’m going to go and relaxation up. I need to make that card. There’s no rush, if not. I’d like to struggle on there. But when not, I’ll be there in attendance to observe the fellows win, to observe ‘Rocky’ win, and watch all the remainder of the fellows. It’s a terrific card.”
“… Whoever desires it – anyone within the prime 10. I’m positive for those who have a look at the names, the featherweight division is likely one of the greatest divisions. I really feel like everyone goes to get a troublesome struggle and an excellent struggle.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Battle Night time 241.
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