Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy 5/18/24 – UFC Fight Night 241 is getting ready to present a very good featherweight fight between Edson Barboza “Junior” and Lerone Murphy “The Miracle” on May 18, 2024. This fight is between a fighter with many years of experience and a young, unbeaten rising star in the octagon at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barboza, with his 24 wins and 11 losses, and Murphy, still undefeated with 13-0-1, will have this fight as the pivotal clash in the featherweight division. For the people who are searching for the best UFC picks and tips, this bout is full of interesting opportunities because the contrasting styles and records of the fighters make the bout interesting.
Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy 5/18/24 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, May 18 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Edson Barboza Analysis
The achievements and the difficulties that Edson Barboza has been experiencing in the UFC are the hallmarks of his career. Having the record of 24-11-0, his experience in the octagon is huge, as he has faced some of the toughest opponents in the division. Barboza is recognized for his terrifying striking ability, on average, he delivers 4.18 good hitting strikes per minute with a striking accuracy of 45%. On the other hand, his defense has made him take in 4.34 strikes per minute, a number that he will have to improve against Murphy’s accurate offense. On the ground, Barboza averages 0.48 takedowns per 15 minutes with a takedown defense of 75%, thus, it is clear that he is able to handle himself in grappling exchanges but he is more comfortable fighting in the standing position. His recent triumph over Yusuff revealed his striking power and toughness and these two qualities will have a great impact on the result of this upcoming fight.
Lerone Murphy Analysis
On the contrary, Lerone Murphy comes into the fight with an exceptional undefeated record of 13-0-1, meaning that he is a big name in the featherweight division now. Caledonian defenses are called “The Miracle” as Murphy combines a more conservative but very effective striking game. He lands 3 good strikes per minute with a higher accuracy of 50%. Notably, his defensive game is good, he can only absorb 2 strikes per minute, which shows his ability to manage the distance and timing against the aggressive strikers like Barboza. Murphy’s grappling stats show that he gets an average of 1 takedown per 15 minutes, and although his takedown defense is 46%, his submission average of 9 shows that he is a strong finisher on the ground. His new victory over Culibao is further proof of his fighting style and adaptability.
Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy Stats
| Barboza | Murphy | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 24-11-0 | 13-0-1 |
| Average Fight Time | 11:45 | 11:35 |
| Height | 5′ 11″ | 5′ 9″ |
| Weight | 145 lbs. | 145 lbs. |
| Reach | 75″ | 73″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 4.18 | 3.65 |
| Striking Accuracy | 45% | 50% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 4.34 | 2.40 |
| Defense | 57% | 56% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.48 | 1.29 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 50% | 46% |
| Takedown Defense | 75% | 46% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.1 | 0.9 |
Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy Betting Picks
Although Barboza has the -111 betting odds and Murphy has the -119, this fight is almost a draw, meaning that this is a competitive matchup. Both fighters have their own set of strengths that make them go for the glory bout, with Barboza’s experience and his striking against Murphy’s unbeaten record and balanced skill set. The main to success for Barboza will be to use his striking power and keep the fight on the feet, while Murphy should look for any weaknesses in Barboza’s defense, probably taking the fight to the ground where he can use his submission skills.
Based on the facts and the recent results, Lerone Murphy might be the one with the advantage because of his defensive skills and less wear-and-tear in the cage. His capacity to absorb fewer hits and his skill in grappling could make the difference in the case of the veteran Barboza versus him.
Free Pick: Lerone “The Miracle” Murphy -119
This upcoming UFC Fight Night 241 bout between Edson Barboza and Lerone Murphy is poised to be an exciting clash with potential implications for the featherweight rankings. For those looking to place bets, consider the factors discussed, and as always, consult additional best multi-handicapper picks for broader perspectives before making final decisions. This fight night could indeed provide some thrilling moments and valuable insights into the future trajectories of these two talented fighters.