Unbeaten featherweight Lerone Murphy steps into the biggest spotlight of his career on Saturday night, headlining UFC London against fellow undefeated contender Movsar Evloev.
“It’s always been on the bucket list of fighting in London, specially headlining. That was the goal,” Murphy told reporters on Thursday.
“We’re ticking off now. It just shows where my career’s going and the work I’ve put in to get here as well. Proud, proud moment.”
Murphy (17-0-1) survived a near-death experience in 2022 when he was struck by a car in a cycling accident, suffering a severe concussion. Combined with surviving a shooting in 2013, his journey to the main event of UFC London becomes all the more remarkable.
“Well that’s it and that’s why I’m grateful more than anything. I’m grateful that I’m here today. I’m still grinding away, still chipping away at my goals, at my dreams. I don’t do this for applause from everyone else. I do this for myself,” he said.
“Personal challenge and what not. When I’m here on this stage now main eventing in London it’s massive for me. If I were to die today I’d be proud.”
Amid all the talk of BMF belts, money fights, and the usual fight clichés, Murphy remains focused on one goal: the UFC featherweight title. Although, if it were offered to the featherweight contender, it might be too much to turn down.
“The goal for me is the UFC 145 title, but obviously I wouldn’t turn it down if it was offered at some point,” he said.
“But I’m looking at the UFC title.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Lerone Murphy above. He headlines UFC London against Movsar Evoloev on Saturday night.
