UFC FIGHT NIGHT 241: Barboza vs. Murphy 5/18/24 – The upcoming UFC Fight Night 241 this weekend is going to be a blast with the featherweight bout between the seasoned striker, Edson Barboza and the unbeaten, Lerone Murphy. Both fighters are the popular ones inside the octagon, with Barboza having a record of 24-11-0 and Murphy having an excellent 13-0-1. Fighting night is near and MMA picks and odds are getting more and more heated, fans and analysts are excitedly discussing each fighter’s chances to be on top at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This fight not only reveals a battle of the experienced say Victor against the up-and-coming young man but also has a great effect on the featherweight rankings.
UFC FIGHT NIGHT 241: Barboza vs. Murphy 5/18/24
| When: | Saturday, May 18, 2024 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | UFC Fight Pass |
The UFC Fight Night 241 bout between Edson Barboza and Lerone Murphy is closely matched in the betting odds, reflecting their respective capabilities and recent form. Currently, Barboza is slightly favored at -111, which implies a near-even match, while Murphy is at -119, indicating just a slight edge over Barboza.
UFC FIGHT NIGHT 241: Barboza vs. Murphy 5/18/24 Odds
| Fighter | Odds | Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edson Barboza | -111 | Lerone Murphy | -119 |
Main Card
Edson Barboza
Edson “Junior” Barboza walks into the octagon with a career that is filled with striking accomplishments and an ability to bounce back from hardships. His record of 24 wins, 11 losses, and no draws is a clear indication of a veteran who has been tested by the best. One of the main elements of Barboza’s game is his striking, which he, on average, lands 4.18 significant strikes per minute with a 45% accuracy.
He is quite good at defending himself, even though he gets struck 4.34 times per minute, he is able to successfully deflect 57% of the incoming strikes. In the contact sports Barboza makes about 0.48 per 15 minutes less tackles but has a great tackle defense at 75%. His most recent win over Yusuff revealed his striking powers and his skills to control fights against the aggressive opponents. This incident and his tactical striking approach will be the most important factor for him as he meets a fighter who relies on endurance and pressure.
Lerone Murphy
Lerone “The Miracle” Murphy goes into this fight unbeaten, which is proof that he is a good and versatile fighter in the mixed martial arts. Murphy has a record that consists of 13 wins, no losses, and one draw and with that, he has quickly jumped the featherweight ladder. He usually scores 3 significant strikes per minute with a higher accuracy of 50%, compared to Barboza. His defense is less effective at 56%, but he makes up for it up by a low strike absorption rate of 2 per minute, meaning he is able to dodge damage.
Murphy’s grappling stats indicate a more aggressive style, with an average of one takedown every 15 minutes and a submission average of 9, hence his strength in ground fighting. His new victory against Culibao was another blow to his image as a tough opponent who can easily change the mood and rhythm of the fight. Murphy’s youth and tactical growth make him a menace on the ground who could take advantage of any opening, therefore, he is a dangerous opponent.
Barboza vs. Murphy Betting Numbers
| Record | 24-11-0 | 13-0-1 |
| Last Fight | Win | Win |
| Country | Brazil | England |
| Height | 5′ 11″ | 5′ 9″ |
| Weight (lbs) | 145 | 145 |
| Reach (in) | 75″ | 73″ |
| Win by KO/TKO | 58% | 54% |
| Win by Submission | 4% | 0% |
| Decisions | 38% | 46% |
| Strikes landed per minute | 4.18 | 3.65 |
| Striking accuracy | 45% | 50% |
| Striking absorbed per minute | 4.34 | 2.40 |
| Striking defense | 57% | 56% |
| Takedown average | 0.48 | 1.29 |
| Takedown accuracy | 50% | 46% |
| Takedown defense | 75% | 46% |
| Submission average | 0.1 | 0.9 |
Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy Summary
The match between these two fighters is a traditional striker against the all-rounder situation. The striking expertise of Edson Barboza, which is proven by his amazing kickboxing skills and the ability to manage the distance, will be the reason why he will be able to beat Murphy who has a more rounded approach. Nevertheless, Lerone Murphy’s undefeated record and the even distribution of his striking and grappling skills are the main reasons why he could win against his opponents. Murphy’s potential to mix his striking with the takedown strategies will be the main factor that can disturb the rhythm of Barboza, mostly if the fight goes to the ground.
To put it simply, in this regard, this fight could be a draw or a win-lose situation, but Murphy is getting back on track and has less fatigue, therefore, he will probably have a slight edge. For the ones who are into MMA betting, the best sportsbook online could be a source of information on the current odds and the possible returns on this balanced fight. Finally, this lightweight duel is going to be the crowning of UFC Fight Night 241, with the fireworks that will be set off when a seasoned veteran will face a young star in the making.
