Movsar Evloev stayed unbeaten at UFC London, but he had to survive a messy, momentum-heavy main event to do it. In a fight that swung from low-volume striking to urgent late wrestling, Evloev defeated Lerone Murphy by majority decision with scores of 48-46, 48-46, 47-47. The result keeps Evloev in the title conversation at featherweight, while Murphy proved he belongs in elite company after pushing the undefeated contender through real adversity.
Round 1
The opening frame was tactical and cautious. Murphy circled in southpaw while Evloev held center and looked to pressure without overcommitting. The volume was low, but Evloev landed cleaner body work and had better moments when he stepped in behind his entries. Murphy found occasional counters, yet spent long stretches reacting to range management. It was close, but Evloev’s pressure optics and cleaner impact made him look like the round winner.
Round 2
Murphy started to settle in and looked much sharper in the second. He found timing with counters, mixed to the body, and had better flow in exchanges as Evloev entered range. Evloev still landed in spots, including some of the heavier single punches of the fight, but Murphy’s sequencing and composure improved significantly. The round felt more balanced on damage and rhythm in Murphy’s favor, and many live score reads had the fight tied after two.
Round 3
The third round increased pressure on Evloev because he continued to strike for long stretches instead of committing to sustained wrestling. Murphy looked comfortable with the pace, had fewer reasons to fear level changes, and continued landing cleaner combinations in open space. Evloev secured a takedown late in the round, but Murphy recovered quickly and avoided prolonged control. On momentum and visible control of the fight’s terms, Murphy looked to be pulling ahead.
Round 4
Round four changed everything. An inside low kick from Evloev landed foul and resulted in a point deduction from referee Marc Goddard, a major scorecard swing in such a close fight. After the restart, Evloev finally leaned into his strongest path with urgent takedowns, heavier top pressure, and meaningful ground offense. Murphy fought hard to stand, but Evloev’s control phases were now much more decisive. The deduction complicated scoring, but Evloev’s shift in approach prevented the fight from slipping away.
Round 5
Evloev entered the fifth with clear urgency and immediately prioritized wrestling entries. He chained takedowns, repeatedly forced Murphy back to the mat, and layered top control with short but consistent damage. Murphy showed toughness and tried to stand through pressure, but fatigue became visible and he was bleeding around the eye in the final minutes. Evloev controlled the geography and tempo of the round, adding enough dominance to close strong and secure the decision.
Official result
Movsar Evloev def. Lerone Murphy via Majority Decision (48-46, 48-46, 47-47).
What it means at featherweight
Evloev gets the result he needed, but the performance also reinforced a key truth: when he wrestles with intent, he looks like a genuine top contender; when he stays in extended low-output striking battles, he gives rounds away. Murphy, meanwhile, leaves with no win bonus but a stronger reputation. He showed he can handle elite pressure, win striking stretches, and make top names work for every minute.
Watch the highlights below:
The end of RD3 👀@MovsarUFC vs @LeroneMurphy
[ #UFCLondon | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/7M172XwQ1a
— UFC (@ufc) March 21, 2026
Still undefeated 👊@MovsarUFC secures the majority decision victory at #UFCLondon!
[ LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/NuNIh0uxEP
— UFC (@ufc) March 21, 2026
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