LAS VEGAS – Leron Murphy found UFC 241 Fight Night be everything he hoped for and more.
In his first main event on Saturday at UFC Apex, Murphy (14-0-1 MMA, 6-0-1 UFC) defeated seasoned veteran Edson Barbosa (24-12 MMA, 18-12 UFC) via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45) in a largely dominant showing. The experience was the perfect next step.
“It feels great,” Murphy told reporters, including MMA Junkie, in a post-fight press conference. “Doing five rounds with Edson is a great experience for me. Obviously, I haven’t fought anyone at that level. Doing two more rounds was also different for me and I’m glad I managed to get them right.
“I spoke to (matchmakaer) Sean Shelby in the back as well. He said this is the way to get to the top: you need to fight five-round fights. So it’s good to have that under control. …(It’s a dream come true. I would love to fight here again, and many more times, maybe next time in a big arena. We’ll see.”
Murphy said Saturday’s victory in an important divisional game brought him closer to his ultimate goal of being a champion. Murphy said he feels his rate of improvement is accelerating and on track to one day reach starter level.
“I can be champion,” Murphy said. “I’ve shown that level now. I’m just getting better. That’s the scary thing. This entire camp, I was only working on a few small parts. I kind of wasn’t scared of going into the fight, but I wasn’t that perfect yet. I know I’m still growing at a huge rate. I’m going to get better and better. Even my footwork seemed better in that fight. My striking was better. I’m improving and my ceiling is still here. I’m still here. I feel like I can improve much better than I already am and I can win this title.”
As for what comes next, Murphy (despite his swollen and bloodied face as he spoke on the matter) still holds out hope for a turnaround in his native Manchester, England, in UFC 304. The event will take place on July 27th at the Co-op Arena and will feature Leon Edwards x Belal Muhammad and Tom Aspinall x Curtis Blaydes.
“I’m going to jump in an ice bath every day for the next week. I’m going to rest. I want to make this card. There’s no rush if not. I would love to fight there. But if not, I’ll be there to watch the guys win, to watch ‘Rocky’ win and watch the rest of the guys. It’s a great card.”
“…Whoever wants, anyone in the top 10. I’m sure if you look at the names, featherweight is one of the best divisions. I feel like everyone is going to have a tough fight and a good fight.”
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC 241 Fight Night.
