Octagon icon Edson Barboza once again stepped into the main event spotlight on Saturday night for a showdown with undefeated standout Lerone Murphy at UFC Vegas 92.
Murphy entered the bout with a 5-0-1 record under the UFC banner but faced his toughest test yet against a 35-fight veteran gunning for his 19th career victory and third straight on MMA’s biggest stage.
Round 1
Murphy opens things up with a high kick. Barboza responds with a calf kick attempt. Barboza again goes low but catches Murphy below the belt bringing a brief stop to the action. Back underway, Murphy lands a nice right hand followed by a stiff jab. Barboza lands a heavy leg kick getting a reaction from the crowd. Barboza goes back to it as Murphy begins to open up with the hands. Barboza lands a sharp jab.
Barboza once again fires a leg kick and Murphy responds with a double jab and a looping overhand right that is blocked by Barboza. The jab appears to have already busted open the bridge of Barboza’s nose. Barboza continues to attack the lead leg of his opponent, but Murphy repeatedly steps through the kick with his boxing, landing a clean combination. Murphy lands a kick to the body.
Barboza attempts to counter Murphy’s jab with a low kick, but Murphy checks the kick this time. Murphy throws a head kick that’s blocked by Barboza. Both fighters move in and Barboza is knocked off balance, prompting Murphy to jump on top and look to land some strikes in the waning seconds of the round. Barboza lands a nasty upkick that appears to have rocked Murphy in the process.
Round 2
Both fighters come out swinging big in the opening seconds and Murphy lands a stiff right hand. Murphy again catches Barboza with the right as ‘Junior’ moves in. Another right hand from Murphy lands. The calf kicks begin piling up for Barboza as he lands clean every time Murphy throws his jab. Barboza throws another calf kick as Murphy rushes in. Initiating the clinch, Murphy drags Barboza to the canvas up against the fence.
Barboza uses the cage wall to climb back to his feet, break the grip, and separate. Murphy swings big and connects with a right hand that stumbles Barboza. Using the fence to stay upright, Barboza stays on his heels as Murphy pours it on with a variety of strikes. Murphy lands and elbow in close. Barboza tries to throw a spinning attack, but slips, allowing Murphy to clinch up against the fence.
Murphy peppers Barboza with some strikes against the fence before the two separate and the second round horn sounds.
Round 3
Barboza comes out controlling the center of the Octagon right away. Barboza pumps the jab as Murphy fires a front kick up the middle. Barboza lands a booming body kick, but Murphy answers back with a beautiful combination that has Barboza backing up against the fence. Murphy fires a couple more big swings before changing levels and digging in for a single leg. Barboza defends and separates after a few moments against the fence.
Murphy lands a left hand and Barboza comes back with another body kick. Murphy again closes the distance with his boxing and initiates another takedown. Barboza again defends, breaking the grip and getting free of Murphy. A power right hand lands for Murphy on the break and Barboza stumbles back, looking a little labored. Murphy lands a spinning heel kick to the body followed by punches in bunches.
Barboza reaches in for a desperation clinch, but that only temporarily offers him a break as Murphy continues to put on pressure and shoot for takedowns. Barboza sprawls and holds the top position before choosing to get back on his feet. Murphy throws another spinning heel kick as the third round ends.
Round 4
Murphy continues to put pressure on Barboza, setting up his left high kick. Murphy attacks the lead leg of Barboza before landing a thudding right hand. Murphy again looks for the right hook, but Barboza ducks under. At this point, every shot from Murphy that lands has a visible effect on Barboza. Murphy continues to look for the right hand, but fatigue is beginning to set in for both fighters.
Murphy lands a good calf kick, but Barboza promptly gives him his receipt followed by another. Murphy answers back with a left. Murphy pumps the jab and Barboza fires a vicious spinning heel kick of his own that connects. Murphy doubles up on the jab. Barboza attempts a wheel kick, but Murphy sees it come and blocks it with ease. Another right hand from Murphy lands.
With 30 seconds to go, Murphy clinches up against the fence and holds position before freeing Barboza seconds before the horn sounds.
Round 5
Murphy comes out mixing up his strikes, attacking the head and the body of Barboza. Murphy switches momentarily to southpaw, landing a few oblique kicks before switching back and clinching up. Murphy separates and Barboza lands a body kick after the break. A stiff jab from Murphy connects. Another combination from Murphy lands as Barboza fails to connect with his counter.
Murphy lands his 200th strike of the fight with a jab. He follows it up with a jab to the body of Barboza. Firing back, Barboza lands another nasty spinning heel kick to the body. That prompts Murphy to shoot in for a takedown, dragging Barboza to the mat and taking his back. Barboza works his way back up, carrying the weight of Murphy in the process. Barboza gets dragged back down but props himself back up with 30 seconds to go.
Murphy is content to maintain control against the fence until the final tick goes off the clock.
Official Result: Lerone Murphy def. Edson Barboza via unanimous decision (49-46 50-45-, 50-45)
Check Out Highlights From Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy at UFC Vegas 92:
GAME READY.
The undefeated 🏴 @LeroneMurphy has nothing but big things in front of him with a win tonight! #UFCVegas92 pic.twitter.com/BHf2j9DbDe
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) May 19, 2024
Was Lerone Murphy out here? What a shot from Edson Barboza 😳#UFC #MMA #UFCVegas92
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 19, 2024
UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Murphy UFC Vegas 92 Free fights #UFCVegas92 : Main Event Main Card :
Edson Barboza vs Lerone Murphy
Barboza leg kick to Murphy’s face off his back brutal pic.twitter.com/c0Wj5sod8q
— Just zipped a bong hit with my bear Ted (@stonedagainbros) May 19, 2024
Edson Barboza is seemingly out on his feet attempting to spinning wheel kick Lerone Murphy 😳‼️#UFC #MMA #UFCVegas92 pic.twitter.com/fiV1PlRDBQ
— MMA Casuals (@MMA_CASUALS_) May 19, 2024
Un Main Event de FOLIE ! 🤯🔥
🏴 Lerone Murphy demeure invaincu et remporte la victoire à la décision face à Edson Barboza 🇧🇷#UFCVegas92pic.twitter.com/ETTkX9YIbB
— La Sueur (@LaSueur_off) May 19, 2024
