The O2 Area is about to witness a high-stakes chess match with a violent ending. Lerone “The Miracle” Murphy is formally set to headline UFC London on March 21, 2026, going through the undefeated grappling machine Movsar Evloev. With Alexander Volkanovski contemporary off his dominant title defence in opposition to Diego Lopes at UFC 325, the winner of this bout is assured to be subsequent in line for the 145-pound throne.
Murphy (17-0-1) is driving a wave of momentum that almost all fighters solely dream of. After being arguably ignored for the title shot in favour of Lopes’ rematch, “The Miracle” proved he belongs on the high with a Knockout of the Yr contender—a devastating spinning again elbow that completed Aaron Pico at UFC 319. Now, Murphy is set to carry UFC gold again to Manchester, following within the footsteps of legends like Michael Bisping and Tom Aspinall.
Undefeated vs. Undefeated: The Final Featherweight Litmus Take a look at
This isn’t only a hometown showcase for Murphy; it’s a legacy combat. Each Murphy and Evloev (19-0) enter the Octagon with unblemished information, however their kinds couldn’t be extra completely different. Whereas Evloev is understood for his suffocating, decision-heavy wrestling, Murphy has remodeled into some of the harmful finishers within the division.
“I’ve put within the years, I’ve taken the lengthy highway, and now it’s time to point out the world,” Murphy stated throughout the London press kickoff. “Movsar is a troublesome out, however he hasn’t felt the facility I’m bringing. I’m not simply searching for a win; I’m trying to make an announcement for Volkanovski to see.”
The Street to Volkanovski: Why This Struggle Issues Now
The featherweight division in 2026 is extra aggressive than ever. With Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira set to conflict for the BMF title at UFC 326, the normal title queue is shifting quick. If Murphy can grow to be the primary man to unravel the Evloev puzzle, a summer season showdown with “The Nice” Volkanovski turns into the largest combat in British MMA historical past.
The Manchester High Workforce standout has refined his takedown defence particularly for this camp, realizing that preserving the combat standing is the important thing to victory. Followers within the UK predict a masterclass from Murphy, who feels his “ignored” standing ends the second the cage door closes on the O2.
Steadily Requested Questions
When is Lerone Murphy’s subsequent combat?Lerone Murphy faces Movsar Evloev in the primary occasion of UFC Struggle Night time London on March 21, 2026, at The O2 Area.
Is Lerone Murphy nonetheless undefeated?Sure, Murphy holds an expert file of 17-0-1, along with his solely blemish being a cut up attract his UFC debut again in 2019.
What occurred in Lerone Murphy’s final combat?Murphy secured a spectacular first-round KO through spinning again elbow in opposition to Aaron Pico at UFC 319 in August 2025.
Who’s the present UFC Featherweight Champion?Alexander Volkanovski is the reigning champion. He efficiently defended his title in opposition to Diego Lopes on February 1, 2026, at UFC 325.
