UFC Vegas 92: Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy: Live round-by-round updates
UFC Vegas 92, headlined by a featherweight contest between Edson Barboza and Lerone Murphy, will go down later tonight at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Currently ranked No.12 at 145 pounds, Barboza (24-11) is a true veteran of the sport with wins across two weight divisions in the world's premier MMA promotion. The Brazilian holds wins against big names, including Anthony Pettis, Dan Hooker, Beneil Dariush, and Paul Felder, among others.
While he has been churning out mixed results in recent years, Barboza is currently on a two-fight win streak, with his latest victory a unanimous decision over Sodiq Yusuff at UFC Fight Night 230 last October.
While Murphy (13-0-1) lacks the same level of experience as his opponent in the UFC, the Englishman has showcased an exemplary run in the promotion since debuting in 2019.
The undefeated fighter is currently on a five-fight win streak in the promotion, with his latest victory coming via split decision against Joshua Culibao at UFC Fight Night 224 last July.
According to UFC's official website, 'The Miracle' is a -148 favorite over Barboza (+124 underdog) for the matchup.
Catch the live results and play-by-play updates of Barboza vs. Murphy only on Sportskeeda.
Watch the final face-off between Edson Barboza and Lerone Murphy below:
UFC Vegas 92: Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy
Round 1:
Murphy opens with a high kick. The referee stops the fight after an accidental low kick by Barboza. 'The Miracle' unloads a heavy leg kick. He employs a lot of feints to keep his opponent guessing.
A hard jab from the Brazilian lands clean. Murphy connects with a big overhand right, and Barboza connects with a counter left hand. Barboza seems to be biting on his opponent's feints.
A right hand over the top momentarily imbalances Barboza. Barboza catches his opponent coming in with a right hand. The jab is money for Murphy, stinging his opponent at will. He employs a high kick on his opponent who is known for his kicking techniques.
Barboza slips onto the floor and Murphy unloads vicious ground and pound. Barboza connects with an upkick to his opponent's face.
Round 2:
A right hand up top connects for Murphy. A leg kick lands for Barboza. It seems like 'The Miracle' has the faster hands. However, Barboza's chin is holding up as he gets peppered by his opponent with straight rights.
Barboza's unrelenting leg kicks are starting to have an effect, putting Murphy in desperation mode. Murphy shoots for a takedown but Barboza gets back up and separates from his foe.
A big right lands for Murphy, and Barboza is on wobbly legs. The Brazilian is still committing to leg kicks. An elbow to the head lands for Murphy. A slip sends Barboza to the ground and his opponent clinches him up near the cage.
'The Miracle' ends the second round strong with elbows to his opponent's head.
Round 3:
Barboza comes out with ruthless intent as he meets his opponent in the center of the cage. The fighter is still committed to leg kicks. Murphy answers with a good multi-punch combo.
The fighters clinch, but Barboza separates quickly. The Brazilian's movements seem to be labored. Murphy tries another takedown but Barboza gets back to his feet.
Multiple punches land up top for Murphy. Sensing the danger, Barboza pulls his opponent into a clinch. As the pair separates, Barboza employs leg kicks and Murphy tries a takedown but ends up in a headlock position. The pair get back to their feet.
'The Miracle' ends the round with a spinning back kick to his opponent's midsection.
Round 4:
Murphy is still connecting up top, and Barboza lands a good body shot. 'The Miracle' is the fresher fighter. The referee warns Murphy not to extend his fingers and risk eye pokes.
A right hand stuns Barboza. The power of Murphy seems to be affecting Barboza. A calf kick lands for 'The Miracle'. Back-to-back punches to the head stun his opponent. The veteran needs to hurt his foe and get some respect to sway the fight his way. A spinning back kick lands for Barboza.
Murphy's nose is all bloodied up. The pair clinches near the cage and Murphy connects with an elbow on the break.
Round 5:
As the final round unfolds at UFC Vegas 92, 'The Miracle' seems to be in control of the fight. Barboza might need a knockout to win the fight. A power jab lands for the 38-year-old.
Murphy connects with a body kick. He is circling around his opponent, peppering him with punches effortlessly. Barboza seems to have no answer for his opponent's onslaught.
A head kick by Murphy gets partially blocked by Barboza. A one-two combo lands for 'The Miracle'. Barboza spins for a back kick, but Murphy catches his opponent off balance and takes him down. 'The Miracle' tasks his opponent's back, and sinks one hook in as he looks to complete a rear-naked choke.
Barboza gets back up. Ten seconds left on the clock. Murphy finishes the round dominantly.
Stay tuned for the official decision.
Official decision: Lerone Murphy def. Edson Barboza via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45 x 2)
Check out the official result below: