Evloev looks like a contender
At UFC London this past weekend Movsar Evloev used disciplined grappling and relentless pressure to neutralize Lerone Murphy — the performance is being framed as a contender‑level statement. (youtube.com)
Movsar Evloev beat Lerone Murphy by majority decision at UFC Fight Night 270 in London on March 21, 2026, with judges’ cards reading 48-46, 48-46 and 47-47. (mmajunkie.usatoday.com) Evloev was penalized a point for two low kicks in Round 4, while Murphy reported a hip issue after Round 3 that appeared to limit his movement in the later rounds. (cbssports.com) The win moved Evloev to 20-0 overall and 10-0 under the UFC banner, and handed Murphy the first professional loss of his career, dropping his record to 17-1-1. (mmajunkie.usatoday.com) Judges’ scorecards and social-media reaction fueled controversy after the bout, with several fighters and pundits criticizing the outcome and former champion Michael Bisping saying he thought Murphy had won. (cincinnati.com) (msn.com) Promotional coverage and post-fight comments positioned Evloev as the next viable title challenger to Alexander Volkanovski, with matchmakers and media saying the victory leaves Evloev on the cusp of a featherweight title shot. (cbssports.com) (cincinnati.com)
