Lerone Murphy struggled in the early going, then found an opening to upset Ricardo Ramos in the first round at UFC Fight Island 1.
Brazil’s Ricardo Ramos and England’s Lerone Murphy faced off in featherweight action on the UFC Fight Island 1 card. The bout went down as part of the preliminary portion of the event, taking place Wednesday on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Ramos was looking to make it three wins in a row, after earning a Performance of the Night bonus in his return to featherweight last November. Murphy had fought to a draw in his promotional debut at UFC 242 last year against Zubaira Tukhugov. That was the only thing close to a blemish on his otherwise perfect record.
Murphy also had something of an incredible backstory: the Manchester fighter was shot twice in the face in 2013, but miraculously survived.
Ricardo Ramos threw a pretty spinning kick to start the fight but came up short. A stepping kick came through for Ramos and he followed up with even more kicks. Ramos threw an over hand right and despite it being blocked, was able to pull Murphy in with the same arm and take him down. Murphy popped up then ate a knee, rolling off it to push Ramos against the cage. The fighters separated, then Ramos threw another spinning kick that Murphy ducked under, taking down Ramos in the process. However, in the same motion, Ramos rolled him over into side control. Murphy worked his way up, then landed a right hand. Ramos threw a spinning back elbow that Murphy ducked under and scored a takedown. Murphy landed a huge shot that dazed Ramos. Murphy was completely postured up and raining down heavy blows. A few more shots were necessary and he pulled off the upset in the first round.
STILL UNDEFEATED!
🇬🇧 Lerone Murphy with the VICIOUS GnP.
Action continues on @ESPN. #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/tGdya9MUqU
— UFC (@ufc) July 16, 2020
Lerone Murphy def. Ricardo Ramos by TKO (Punches) in Round 1 (4:18)
