Evloev’s gritty win crushes Murphy’s title hopes

Movsar Evloev put a huge dent in Lerone Murphy’s featherweight title dream as the Russian secured a majority decision victory at UFC London.

In a fight seen by many as a number one contender contest at the O2 Arena, Evloev ground his British opponent down as the fight wore on to win, with two judges scoring it 48-46 in the Russian’s favour and one deeming it a draw at 47-47.

Manchester’s Murphy had many good moments in a competitive contest but an injury to the 34-year-old’s hip in the third round left Evloev finishing the fight stronger.

The defeat ends Murphy’s 18-fight unbeaten streak, while Evloev, 32, extends his undefeated record to 20 fights and puts himself in prime position to face champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Murphy is ranked third in UFC’s featherweight rankings and is likely to need a landmark win over a high-ranked opponent to put himself back in the title picture.

“Sorry for not giving you a fight. Make sure Evloev gets a title shot. He deserves it,” said Murphy, who remained positive despite defeat.

“Yes, my hip popped in the third round, but no excuses. I’ll be back. I’ve got work to do, but i’ll be back.”

Despite some impressive wins from British fighters like Nathaniel Wood and Mason Jones, the atmosphere lacked the buzz of previous UFC shows in London.

Murphy came into the contest after missing out on a title fight against champion Alexander Volkanovski in January, with Diego Lopes being given the opportunity instead.

Murphy did not get the rousing reception from the home fans like Aspinall or Pimblett have in the past as he made a business-like walkout, but he was cheered as he stepped into the octagon.

Evloev was booed heavily but embraced his reception as he smiled and made a heart-shaped gesture with his fingers towards the crowd.

Encouraged by chants of “Oh Miracle Murphy”, some of the Mancunian’s best work was done with his back to the cage, as he landed a one-two uppercut combination and tried to keep Evloev at bay with leg kicks.

Evloev was predicted to grapple with Murphy but it was not until the third round, with the Briton gaining the upper hand in the striking, that he attempted his first takedown.

Murphy got to his feet quickly and drew roars from the crowd with a counter right hook, but Evloev would end the round on top as a flurry of strikes opened a cut above the Mancunian’s left eye.

The contest was delayed in the fourth round as Murphy took time to recover from an accidental groin strike in a move for which the Russian was docked a point.

But after telling his corner he had hurt his hip, Murphy struggled to defend takedowns like he had before and Evloev gained the upper hand in the closing stages.

Murphy was roared on by the crowd as he continued to get back to his feet, but Evloev’s nine takedowns by the end of the bout told a telling story.

“I told you I was a better striker than him – joking!” said Evloev.

Meanwhile, Michael ‘Venom’ Page earned his third straight UFC decision win in an underwhelming contest with fellow Briton Sam Patterson.

Page landed 27 strikes to Patterson’s 12 but the contest was heavily booed by fans who grew impatient at the fighters’ lack of volume.

In the co-main event, Liverpool’s Luke Riley remained undefeated as he beat Michael Aswell Jr by unanimous decision for the 13th win of his career.

Riley did not get the knockout which he predicted and the fans were anticipating, but it was a deserved win as he landed the more impactful strikes throughout.

There were impressive victories for Wales’ Mason Jones, who overwhelmed Axel Sola in a bruising back-and-forth encounter to win by a unanimous decision, and London’s Nathaniel Wood, who also won on points against Losene Keita.