December 26, 2024

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

Lauren Murphy #LaurenMurphy

© Provided by MMAJunkie

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.

The Blue Corner is MMA Junkie’s blog space. We don’t take it overly serious, and neither should you. If you come complaining to us that something you read here is not hard-hitting news, expect to have the previous sentence repeated in ALL CAPS.

MORE:

UFC 254 results: Alexander Volkov stops Walt Harris with body kick

Of course Tai Tuivasa eventually celebrated his UFC 254 win with a shoey

UFC 254 results: Tai Tuivasa knocks out Stefan Struve in last second of first round

UFC 254 video: Miranda Maverick wins after wicked elbow slices open bridge of Liana Jojua’s nose

UFC 254 live streaming watch-along with MMA Junkie Radio on SportsCastr

Leave a Reply