UFC London MMA Match Preview: Movsar Evloev (19-0-0) vs. Lerone Murphy (17-0-1)

Venue: The O2 Arena, London, England
Prelims Start Time: 1:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM GMT (main card at 4:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM GMT)
Broadcast: Paramount+ (US); main card regionally adjusted equivalents.
Weight Class: Featherweight (145 lbs) – Main Event (5-round title eliminator).

This featherweight main event is a clash of unbeaten contenders that will likely crown the next challenger for Alexander Volkanovski’s belt. Russian grappling machine Movsar Evloev faces Manchester’s hometown hero Lerone Murphy (“The Miracle”) in front of a sold-out, pro-Murphy O2 Arena crowd. Both men enter with flawless UFC records and elite skill sets, making this one of the most anticipated 145 lb fights in years.

Tale of the Tape

Movsar Evloev (Russia): 32 years old, 5’7”, 72” reach. Orthodox. Style: Elite wrestling/grappling specialist (control-heavy, cardio machine). Record: 19-0-0 (9-0 UFC).
Lerone Murphy (England): 34 years old, 5’9”, ~73” reach. Orthodox. Style: Powerful striker with spinning attacks, pressure, and knockout power (multiple first-round finishes). Record: 17-0-1 (9-0-1 UFC).

Both made weight cleanly. Evloev has never been finished in his career; Murphy boasts a higher finishing rate but has shown elite durability. This is a classic grappler vs. striker matchup with massive stakes.

Injury Report

No injuries reported for either fighter. Both have cleared medicals and are fully expected to compete. Evloev has been dealing with periodic layoff-related rust concerns (inactive since December 2024) but confirmed full readiness in recent media. Murphy underwent a notable coaching change (split with longtime coach Carl Prince) but reported zero physical setbacks or camp issues. All updates from UFC, fighter social media, and official previews as of March 18, 2026 confirm normal preparations.

Fighter Matchups & Styles

Evloev is the shorter, denser wrestler who excels at chain wrestling, clinch control, and smothering opponents against the fence or on the mat. He has never lost a round in the UFC and wins almost exclusively by grinding out decisions with elite pace and takedown defense. Murphy is the taller, rangier striker who uses crisp boxing, leg kicks, and devastating spinning elbows/back fists to create chaos. He pressures forward relentlessly and has shown the ability to finish high-level opponents early. The key clash is Evloev’s grappling IQ and control vs. Murphy’s power striking and home-crowd energy. Evloev wins by neutralizing the stand-up and dragging fights deep; Murphy prevails if he keeps distance or lands a highlight-reel shot before the wrestling takes over.

Recent Form

Movsar Evloev (4-fight UFC win streak, all unanimous decisions):

Dec 7, 2024 – UD Aljamain Sterling (3 rounds, UFC 310).
Jan 20, 2024 – UD Arnold Allen (3 rounds, UFC 297).
May 6, 2023 – UD Diego Lopes (3 rounds, UFC 288).
Evloev has looked dominant but has been limited by injuries and inactivity (only four fights in the last three-plus years).

Lerone Murphy (active 9-0-1 UFC run, multiple finishes):

Aug 16, 2025 – KO (spinning back elbow) Aaron Pico (R1, 3:21, UFC 319).
Apr 5, 2025 – UD Josh Emmett (5 rounds).
Oct 26, 2024 – UD (previous high-level win).
Murphy has been far more active and has momentum, including a spectacular short-notice KO that elevated him in the rankings.

Fight History Summary

Evloev turned pro in 2014 and is 19-0 with 12 decisions, 4 subs, and 3 KO/TKO. UFC run (since 2019) is 9-0, all decisions. He has beaten former champions and top contenders but has yet to headline a main event until now. Murphy turned pro with a draw early on and is 17-0-1 since. UFC run (9-0-1) includes wins over ranked veterans and a highlight-reel KO of Pico. This is his first true 5-round main event on home soil.

FIGHT ODDS

Movsar Evloev – 230

Lerone Murphy + 190

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 20, 2026