When Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy collide on Saturday, it will mark the longest mixed unbeaten streak for a UFC battle. It is solely acceptable {that a} bout with such pedigree headlines UFC Battle Night time, with a featherweight title shot looming close to. The pair meet contained in the O2 Area in London (particular begin time of 4 p.m. ET on Saturday).
Evloev (19-0) has deserved a crack at Alexander Volkanovski for years now. A mauling grappler, he has overcome each problem that is come his manner. His undefeated run consists of wins over former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and two-time featherweight title challenger Diego Lopes. Not too long ago, Evloev has accepted that if there’s one factor holding him again, it is his incapability to end any of his 9 UFC opponents.
“Finishes are what assure you the subsequent title shot. So, for me, what’s most necessary is simply to get this victory and to make it possible for I present ranges,” Evloev instructed CBS Sports activities’ Brian Campbell. “I wish to be sure there aren’t any questions left unanswered about my efficiency, regardless of the way in which it goes. It should present that this man cannot be denied the title.”
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Murphy (17-0-1) is aware of that feeling all too effectively. Like Evloev, he is received 9 consecutive UFC fights. Whereas he loved a few knockouts early with the promotion, his run up the featherweight ladder was largely comprised of resolution wins. That was till he agreed to battle UFC debutant Aaron Pico after a proposed battle between Pico and Evloev fell aside. Murphy capitalized on the second, knocking out Pico with a spinning again elbow to seize Volkanovski’s consideration. Murphy, regardless of the sensible stoppage, is the underdog inviting Evloev into his yard.
“I simply assume I am very inventive, very good in there,” Murphy instructed Campbell. “I do not simply battle. I am at all times setting issues up, I am at all times altering distance and letting it go. I feel that is simply the place the distinction will likely be.
“I assume he can cling with anybody on the ft for a sure time, however I assume the longer he stands with me, the larger probability he has of getting knocked out.”
The most important identify on the undercard is Michael “Venom” Web page. The charismatic fighter has exceeded expectations about how aggressive he’d be, leaping from Bellator to UFC. He is 4-1 with wins over ranked opponents in two divisions. His solely loss was an in depth resolution to Ian Machado Garry, who’s on the verge of a welterweight title battle.
His success has hindered greater than helped him. Web page’s elusive, karate model is a double-edged sword. It could result in memorable knockouts. It could additionally restrict opponents’ offense, resulting in lackluster conclusions. MVP claims many contenders at welterweight and middleweight refuse to battle him. As a substitute, Web page is caught with Sam Patterson, a really harmful however comparatively unknown prospect.
“I made various loud noise exterior the UFC, so I assumed loads of UFC guys can be saying, ‘Yeah, however he is not going to have the ability to do that with a number of us,'” Web page mentioned this week. “I acquired some nice fights, and I simply really feel like after individuals have seen how I’ve handled a few of the fighters, they type of imagine the hype and are much less doubtless or much less keen to place themselves to the check in opposition to that model.”
Let’s check out the remainder of the battle card with the most recent odds from DraftKings earlier than attending to a prediction and skilled decide on the primary occasion beneath.
UFC Battle Night time card, odds
Movsar Evloev -250 | Lerone Murphy +205 | Featherweight |
Luke Riley -250 | Michael Aswell +205 | Featherweight |
Michael Web page -192 | Sam Patterson +160 | Welterweight |
| Iwo Baraniewski -600 | Austen Lane +440 | Gentle heavyweight |
| Christian Leroy Duncan -440 | Roman Dolidze +340 | Middleweight |
| Kurtis Campbell -238 | Danny Silva +195 | Featherweight |
UFC Battle Night time viewing info
Date: March 21 | Begin time: 4 p.m. ET (foremost card) | 1 p.m. ET (prelims)
Location: O2 Area — London
Stream: Paramount+ (subscribe now for as little as $8.99 per 30 days)
Prediction
Movsar Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy: Make no mistake, that is an elite matchup of grappler vs. striker. Neither man will deviate from the profitable path to power a determined end. To that finish, it is simple to see why Evloev is favored. Murphy’s takedown protection is a paltry 52%. In Murphy’s final three fights, Pico took him down twice, Josh Emmett grounded him 4 occasions, and Dan Ige managed him for practically 5 minutes off one takedown and two sweeps. Evloev would largely feast on the model of Murphy that confirmed up in these fights. Now, let’s give the underdog some credit score. Murphy has made important progress along with his grappling since first signing with UFC. His takedown offense has improved immensely, and he is made headway defensively. Crucially for this battle, he is more durable to carry down. Murphy should stand up rapidly if he has any hopes of profitable this battle.
The English striker has a proper to really feel assured in different avenues. He is an excellent technical striker whose quantity sustains over 5 rounds. He’ll want that fuel tank in opposition to Evloev’s pressuring model. I agree with Murphy’s evaluation of his battle IQ. The English striker makes nice split-second selections. It is a part of why he is sustained an 18-fight undefeated streak even in shut contests. Against this, Evloev is typically error-prone. I will not be stunned if Murphy pulls off the upset. Nonetheless, it would not be wise to select in opposition to Evloev. He is terribly tough to beat on a nasty day and makes a speciality of areas the place Murphy has traditionally struggled most. Choose: Evloev by way of unanimous resolution
Who wins Evloev vs. Murphy, and the way precisely does the battle finish? Go to SportsLine now to get detailed picks and evaluation from the incomparable skilled who’s up over $21,000 on his UFC picks since Might 19, 2018, and discover out.
