Lerone Murphy took on a gritty Joshua Culibao at UFC London and saved his best work for last, earning multiple 10-8 scorecards in the final round.
Lerone Murphy has the makings of a future contender, owning an unbeaten 4-0-1 record since making his UFC debut in 2019. Joshua Culibao has a similarly strong 3-1-1 record since his promotional debut in 2020 heading into UFC London.
Lerone Murphy slipped early on and Culibao was all over it, firing a multitude of punches against the cage. Murphy outmuscled him in the clinch to get back to the center of the Octagon. Murphy’s leg kicks were connecting, but Culibao had Murphy stumbling with one of his own. Murphy got Culibao against the cage and rifled a pair of straights right on the money. Murphy then ducked for a takedown, but couldn’t pull Culibao away and instead disengaged and ripped a three-punch combination to end the round.
Culibao started the second round with a head kick and pushed Murphy to the fence. He was seeking out a takedown, but Murphy was able to stay on his feet. Culibao was able to get Murphy to the ground, but a strong whizzer kept Murphy elevated. A big shot staggered Murphy briefly, but he responded immediately with a strong combination and a takedown to the back of Culibao. Murphy rode out the round on his opponent’s back with hooks in but never threatened to finish the fight.
Culibao pushed Murphy to the fence to start the round and threw a few punches, but was unable to turn it into a takedown. Murphy separated, threw a head kick that appeared to not land, but Culibao fell backward. Murphy took advantage of this outcome (it was a kick that landed across the midsection) and took top position. Murphy kept the pressure on, attempting to secure a D’arce choke several times. Another takedown put Culibao on his back again after he was able to work his way up. Murphy looked excellent in the third round to secure the fight.
Lerone Murphy def. Joshua Culibao by Unanimous Decision (30-26 x2, 30-27)
