Lerone Murphy elated by Edson Barboza wins, holds hope for UFC 304

LAS VEGAS – Lerone Murphy discovered UFC Combat Evening 241 to be all the pieces he hoped after which some.

In his first fundamental 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 choice (49-46, 50-45, 50-45) in a largely dominant exhibiting. 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 a giant expertise for me. Clearly, I’ve not fought no one at that degree. Doing an additional two rounds, as effectively, was completely 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 way in which to get to the highest: You’ll want to struggle five-round fights. So it’s good to get that below my belt. … (It’s a) dream come true. I’d like to struggle right here once more, and lots of extra instances, perhaps in a giant enviornment subsequent time. Let’s see.”

Murphy stated Saturday’s win over a divisional staple inched him nearer towards his final aim of being champion. Murphy stated he feels his price of enchancment is accelerated and on observe to at some point hit a titleholder degree.

“I may be champion,” Murphy stated. “I’ve proven that degree now. I’m solely getting higher. That’s the scary factor. This complete camp, I used to be engaged on just some 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 an enormous price. I’m going to get higher and higher. Even simply my footwork seemed higher in that struggle. My placing was higher. I’m bettering and my ceiling remains to be right here. I’m nonetheless right here. I really feel like I can enhance significantly 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 Area 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 look at the blokes win, to look at ‘Rocky’ win, and watch all the remainder of the blokes. It’s a terrific card.”

“… Whoever desires it – anyone within the high 10. I’m certain in the event you take a look at the names, the featherweight division is among the greatest divisions. I really feel like everyone goes to get a troublesome struggle and a superb struggle.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Combat Evening 241.