Lerone Murphy sent a strong message to the rest of the featherweight division in his first UFC main event.
Murphy and Barboza battled it out in the five-round headliner at UFC Vegas 92, which took place at the APEX in Las Vegas. “The Miracle” dominated the longtime veteran over 25 minutes and earned a unanimous decision to remain unbeaten in his 14-fight pro career.
The 32-year-old Murphy looked spectacular early on, dominating the first 10 minutes of the contest — outside of a crazy upkick from Barboza at the end of the first — as he busted Barboza up with a mix of strikes. Barboza showed his incredible toughness throughout, even busting Murphy up in the championship rounds despite being on the clear wrong side of the decision.
Barboza was unable to build upon his wild comeback win over Sodiq Yusuff this past October.
Check out how fellow UFC competitors reacted to Saturday’s UFC Vegas 92 main event.
Sports is crazy . The young eats the old . Stay on your grind so you aren’t easy prey !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) May 19, 2024
I think Murphy won this fight @ufc
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) May 19, 2024
Murphy doing a great job of mixing in grappling with his striking, put on a great performance against Barboza who is always in a fight because of how dangerous his striking is
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) May 19, 2024
Some good action from both guys @ufc
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) May 19, 2024
Edson lost his
— Dan Ige (@Dynamitedan808) May 19, 2024
These guys are getting after it!! Barboza has unreal toughness and a chin! Murphy looked KO’d at the end of the 1st RD from the up-kick but now he’s taking over. Great scrap! #UFCVegas92
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) May 19, 2024
Damn who just threw that banana peel at Barboza
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) May 19, 2024
Barboza hits hard yo
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) May 19, 2024
Tuning into the main event think it could go either way
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) May 19, 2024
Excited to watch @LeroneMurphy shine tonight!! @McrTopTeam
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) May 19, 2024
