Former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade is looking for another shot at gold. To get there, she first had to deal with No. 5 ranked flyweight contender Lauren Murphy. The two women warriors clashed as part of Saturday night’s UFC 283 main card in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Andrade entered the bout on a two-fight win streak while Murphy came up short in her UFC title bid against Valentina Shevchenko in late 2021. She bounced back with a solid win over former UFC titleholder Miesha Tate in July. Murphy hoped to make it two in a row against Andrade at the Jeunesse Arena.
Round 1
Jessica Andrade opens with an inside leg kick. She continues peppering Murphy’s leg with kicks. Switch front kick from Andrade glances Murphy. Murphy moves in looking to shoot but eats a left hook from Andrade on her way in. Andrade is in complete control through the first two minutes. Murphy again attempts to move in and close the distances but eats another strike. Andrade moves in allowing Murphy to clinch and drag her to the canvas, but Andrade is able to immediately pop back up and separate. Andrade resumes attacking the lead leg of Murphy before going upstairs with a high kick. Andrade delivers punches in bunches. Murphy is unable to respond as Andrade continues to land at will. Murphy goes for a desperation takedown that she temporarily lands, but again, Andrade quickly gets up and separates as the first round ends.
Round 2
Jessica Andrade lands a body kick to start the second round. Murphy shoots but eats an uppercut. Murphy is already beginning to wear the damage as Andrade picks up the pace 90 seconds in and unloads a barrage of strikes. Andrade has moved away from the leg kicks and is headhunting. Andrade moves in with a series of strikes once again. Murphy’s toughness allows her to eat them, but she offers nothing in return. Murphy lands a calf kick of her own. 1-2 followed by a calf kick from Andrade. A right hand by Andrade stuns Murphy. Andrade throws a calf kick and Murphy parlays that into a takedown attempt, but Andrade sprawls and recenters. Andrade unloads another combination of strikes that land as the round comes to a close.
Round 3
Lauren Murphy comes out still trying to work her way inside, but Jessica Andrade quickly stuns her with a right hand. Andrade goes high with a kick, but Murphy is able to get her hand up. A jab from Murphy is answered by an inside leg kick from Andrade. Another flurry of strikes from Andrade as she pressed Murphy to the cage wall and clinches. Andrade lands a single leg as Murphy attempts to defend by threatening a kimura. Andrade disengages and both women are back to their feet. Heavy calf kick by Andrade. Both women start unloading strikes on one another, and Andrade is landing the bigger shots. Another big right hand followed by a leg kick from Andrade. Murphy is taking an absolute beating as the referee is content to stand by and watch. Andrade unloads another series of strikes as the final round ends.
Official Result: Jessica Andrade def. Lauren Murphy via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)
Check Out Highlights From Lauren Murphy vs. Jessica Andrade at UFC 283
Combination bt Jessica Andrade!#UFC283 pic.twitter.com/aSWSnRiKN3
— Van der Fleet (@luuk_de_jong99) January 22, 2023
Inexplicably we go the distance here, with another dominant performance clocked in by 🇧🇷 @JessicaMMAPro! #UFC283 pic.twitter.com/mIsDcZs8RK
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 22, 2023
Quelle masterclass🚨🤯
Jéssica Andrade 🇧🇷 DÉTRUIT Lauren Murphy 🇺🇸 sur décision unanime ! #UFC283 pic.twitter.com/ktfjOHmjFA
— CULTURE MMA (@CultureMMA_) January 22, 2023
