Main Event: Movsar Evloev Edges Lerone Murphy
Movsar Evloev claimed a majority decision victory over Lerone Murphy in the UFC London main event, ending the British fighter’s undefeated streak and boosting his case for a featherweight title shot.
Murphy entered believing his knockout of Aaron Pico last August positioned him for a bout with champion Alexander Volkanovski. Instead, he faced the division’s top contender Evloev. Despite a competitive performance, including a point deduction for Evloev due to a low blow, judges scored it 48-46, 48-46, 47-47 in Evloev’s favor.
“I’m sorry to let you down tonight, I gave all I could give and it wasn’t enough,” Murphy stated post-fight. “Evloev deserves the title shot. I’ll be back, don’t worry. My hip popped in the third round but no excuses.”
Murphy controlled the first round on the feet, landing sharper strikes. The second remained tactical with little commitment. In the third, Evloev attempted a takedown after Murphy whiffed a knee, but the Brit escaped amid crowd support from fellow Mancunian Noel Gallagher. Evloev rallied late in the round.
The fourth saw Evloev docked a point early for a low blow, prompting immediate wrestling. He secured three takedowns, though Murphy recovered each time. Nursing a hip injury, Murphy endured another takedown in the fifth, absorbing damage with a cut above his left eye before the bell.
Co-Main and Main Card Highlights
Featherweight Luke Riley extended his perfect UFC record to 2-0, dominating Michael Aswell Jr. via unanimous decision (30-27 x3). Training alongside lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett, Riley critiqued his own effort: “I’m a perfectionist,” he said, rating it a five out of 10.
Michael ‘Venom’ Page entered to Michael Jackson’s ‘They Don’t Care About Us,’ drawing speculation on fighter pay issues. He weathered boos during a cautious three-round affair, securing a unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28) over Sam Patterson.
Christian Leroy Duncan earned a middleweight ranking with a unanimous decision win (29-28 x3) over Roman Dolidze, showcasing strong grappling and striking.
Full Main Card Results
- Movsar Evloev def. Lerone Murphy by majority decision (48-46, 48-46, 47-47)
- Luke Riley def. Michael Aswell Jr. by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Michael ‘Venom’ Page def. Sam Patterson by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
- Iwo Baraniewski def. Austen Lane by TKO (strikes) at 0:28 of Round 1
- Christian Leroy Duncan def. Roman Dolidze by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Danny Silva def. Kurtis Campbell by TKO at 0:31 of Round 2
Preliminary Card Results
Shanelle Dyer made a strong UFC debut, stopping Ravena Oliveira via TKO (strikes) at 1:17 of Round 2. Nathaniel Wood outlasted Losene Keita in a split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28). Mason Jones impressed with a unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) over Axel Sola.
- Mason Jones def. Axel Sola by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Nathaniel Wood def. Losene Keita by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
- Mario Pinto def. Felipe Franco by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Mantas Kondratavicius def. Antonio Trocoli by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-27, 29-27)
- Brando Pericic def. Louie Sutherland by TKO (strikes) at 1:48 of Round 1
- Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady def. Shem Rock by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Shanelle Dyer def. Ravena Oliveira by TKO (strikes) at 1:17 of Round 2
