2 hours ago
Lerone Murphy entered the fight after missing out on a title shot against champion Alexander Volkanovski in January, a chance that was instead given to Diego Lopes.
Unlike the enthusiastic receptions received by Aspinall or Pimblett in previous events, Murphy's walkout was business-like, though he was warmly cheered as he stepped into the octagon.
Movsar Evloev faced heavy boos but responded with a smile and a heart-shaped gesture to the crowd.
Fueled by chants of "Oh Miracle Murphy," some of Murphy's best moments came with his back against the cage, where he landed a one-two uppercut combination and used leg kicks to keep Evloev at bay.
Although Evloev was expected to rely on grappling, he did not attempt his first takedown until the third round, by which time Murphy had gained the upper hand in striking.
Murphy quickly got back to his feet and drew cheers from the crowd with a counter right hook, but Evloev ended the round on top, landing a flurry of strikes that opened a cut above Murphy's left eye.
The fourth round was briefly delayed as Murphy recovered from an accidental groin strike, for which Evloev was penalized with a point deduction.
After informing his corner of a hip injury, Murphy struggled to defend takedowns as effectively as before, allowing Evloev to seize control in the final stages.
Despite the crowd's support as Murphy repeatedly rose to his feet, Evloev's nine takedowns by the fight's end told a clear story.
"I told you I was a better striker than him - joking!" Evloev said.
"My coach and I prepared more fakes, takedowns, and punches. I believe my punches are powerful and can hurt the opponent. Just look at his face—he's damaged. I didn't even have to rely on wrestling to secure the win."
