Kicking off the main card at UFC Fight Island 8, at least until the prelims went a bit long, was undefeated featherweight prospect Lerone Murphy. The British fighter was getting a tough test in his third UFC outing, having been lined up with Brazil’s Douglas Silva de Andrade — who was coming in off a win over former bantamweight champ Renan Barao.
Murphy was a prospect many had high hopes for. Early on, he had to contend with some heavy kicks from Silva de Andrade. But Murphy returned fire with a check right hand. The kicks of the Brazilian were something to watch out for. His combinations, and he flashed a head kick toward the end of the round. Plenty of good counters from Murphy, in what was a close first round. Silva de Andrade looked for a takedown late in the frame, but Murphy easily fought that off.
In the second, Douglas Silva de Andrade got off to a quick start, took the back, and got his hooks in. Murphy stayed calm, and quickly escaped, getting back to the feet and showing some impressive grace under pressure. However, Murphy gave up position on a takedown attempt moments later. Silva de Andrade quickly moved to mount, but couldn’t stay there. On the feet, Murphy had the edge, but the Brazilian landed a hard shot to the body. His kicks were coming on strong. Andrade really turned the heat up as the second frame came to a close, but Murphy chopped at his opponent’s lead leg, and may have compromised it.
Letting it all fly 💥
Which featherweight takes it in RD 3️⃣?
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— UFC (@ufc) January 20, 2021
Between rounds, Silva de Andrade’s corner was firm: he needed a knockout in the third if he wanted to find the fight. However with a damaged lead leg, whether he could plant his feet the generate the power necessary was a question mark. A right hand followed by a spinning back kick to the midsection put Murphy against the fence. But Murphy reversed and tied things up. They traded off the break, but Murphy then ate a kick to the cup. When they got back underway, it was Murphy who would finish strong, ending the round on top raining down punches.
Official Result: Lerone Murphy def. Douglas Silva de Andrade by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
