UFC London: Movsar Ivlov defeats Leron Murphy to crush title hopes

Murphy entered the competition after missing out on a title fight against champion Alexander Volkanovski in January, with the opportunity being given to Diego Lopez instead.

Murphy didn’t get the rousing reception from the home crowd like Aspinall or Pimblett in the past as he made a business-like exit, but he was cheered when he entered the octagon.

Ivlov was booed heavily but embraced his reception, smiling and making a heart-shaped gesture with his fingers towards the crowd.

Encouraged by chants of “Oh Miracle Murphy,” some of the Mancunian’s best work was done with his back to the cage, as he got one uppercut combination and tried to keep Evloev at bay with leg kicks.

Ivlov was expected to square off with Murphy, but it was not until the third round that he attempted his first takedown, with the Briton dominating the jab.

Murphy quickly got to his feet and drew a roar from the crowd with a counter right hook, but Evloev ended the round on top as a flurry of blows opened a cut above the Mancunian’s left eye.

The contest was delayed in the fourth round as Murphy took time to recover from an accidental blow to the groin in a move for which the Russian was deducted a point.

But after telling his corner he had hurt his hip, Murphy struggled to defend takedowns as he had done before and Ivlov had the upper hand in the closing stages.

Murphy was cheered by the crowd as he continued to get to his feet, but Ivlov’s nine takedowns at the end of the bout told a telling story.

“I told you I’m a better striker than him – I was kidding!” – said Ivlov.

“My coach and I were preparing for more fake kicks and punches. I think my punches are strong and I can hurt the opponent. Look at his face, he’s hurt. I don’t have to use wrestling to win.”