Movsar Evloev turned the UK crowd upside down after beating the British fighter Lerone Murphy on his home turf at UFC London.
Evloev Silences London Crowd with Statement Win
Movsar Evloev turned the UK crowd upside down after beating the British fighter Lerone Murphy on his home turf at UFC London.
Movsar recorded a unanimous decision over Murphy after a close five-round battle to emerge as the clear number one contender for the UFC featherweight title on Saturday night.
With both men in their early thirties, this fight was pivotal in deciding which veteran would finally get their long-awaited chance to challenge for the top of the mountain.
A Tale of Two Halves
Murphy, who trains at Manchester Top Team, emerged as a viral sensation after a stunning knockout of Aaron Pico at UFC 319 seven months ago and immediately demanded a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski. However, he was forced to settle for a title eliminator after Volkanovski was instead matched with Diego Lopes.
Evloev’s last fight came in December 2024, when he earned a decision victory over Aljamain Sterling. Since then, his momentum stalled following a cancelled bout with Pico that left him inactive throughout 2025.
Now headlining in his home country, Murphy was determined not to let Evloev spoil the night.
A Tentative Start
The fight began on the feet, with both men reluctant to take early risks. This approach suited Murphy, known for his methodical and calculated striking style, often taking time to download information.
However, Evloev’s unorthodox movement disrupted Murphy’s rhythm, particularly with his leg kicks.
Murphy edged the first round with sharp counterattacks and quick combinations. He carried that momentum into the second, mixing in calf kicks that destabilized Evloev at times.
Despite the threat of Evloev’s wrestling looming large, Murphy remained composed, even landing a clean left hook—only to be met with a powerful right hand in return as the fight began to open up.
A Shift in Momentum
Evloev’s wrestling finally came into play in the third round, as he took Murphy’s back for the first time, disrupting the Brit’s rhythm. An illegal kick from Evloev briefly halted the action, allowing Murphy time to recover.
Still, it was the Russian who closed the round strongly, using a late flurry to begin his comeback.
Another illegal kick at the start of the fourth round cost Evloev a point, but it did little to slow his momentum. A well-timed sweep and takedown allowed him to dictate the pace, backing Murphy up against the cage.
Evloev’s control and composure on the ground began to wear Murphy down, dragging him into deep waters with relentless pressure.
Closing the Show
The final round saw Evloev tighten his grip once more, controlling Murphy on the mat and raining down strikes in dominant fashion.
According to official UFC statistics, Evloev outlanded Murphy in the final two rounds while maintaining significant control on the ground.
The pressure continued until the final bell, with both fighters having moments—but the tide had clearly turned.
What Comes Next
In the end, Evloev moved to 20-0 and spoiled the British party in London.
Now, he stands on the doorstep of a title shot against Volkanovski, while Murphy heads back to the drawing board after a valiant effort.
