Lauren Murphy dominates, finishes and then uses her mic time perfectly at UFC 254

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Lauren Murphy is on a roll and feeling like her time has finally come.

Murphy won her fourth consecutive fight Saturday at UFC 254 when she submitted Liliya Shakirova in the second round of their women’s flyweight bout at Flash Forum in Abu Dhabi.

Murphy (14-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) basically had her way with Shakirova, picking her apart for most of the fight. Then when she got the opportunity late in the second round, Murphy sunk in a rear-naked choke for her first career win by submission.

It was a nearly flawless performance for Murphy, who is 5-1 since moving down to 125 pounds in December 2017. Afterward, she spoke with confidence about her growth and abilities, and then made a bold promise on the mic with Jon Anik.

“Listen to me,” Murphy said. “The next time I step into this cage, it will be to fight for the UFC belt. The next time I step out of it, I will be wearing it. I promise.”

Murphy, 37, originally was supposed to fight No. 4 Cynthia Calvillo at UFC 254, but Calvillo was forced to withdraw last week when she tested positive for COVID-19. Perhaps that fight still needs to happen to settle the No. 1 contender, but it’s hard to argue with Murphy after a performance like that.

Next month, Valentina Shevchenko will defend her title against Jennifer Maia at UFC 255. Perhaps if Shevchenko wins, she could make that decision for the UFC? We shall see.

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