TLDR
- Movsar Evloev defeated Lerone Murphy via majority decision at UFC London, improving to 20-0
- Evloev received a point deduction in Round 4 for a second low blow against Murphy
- UFC commentator Michael Bisping believes Murphy should have won or the fight should have been a draw
- Evloev posted defiant social media messages dismissing critics and focusing on his championship path
- The controversial decision may impact whether Evloev gets the next UFC featherweight title shot
Sources: Sports Illustrated | Sports Illustrated
Movsar Evloev has responded to criticism following his controversial majority decision victory over Lerone Murphy at UFC London. The undefeated featherweight took to social media to address his detractors after the March 22 main event at the O2 Arena.
The fight between Evloev and Murphy was billed as a potential title eliminator, with both fighters entering the bout undefeated in professional MMA. After five rounds, Evloev got his hand raised via majority decision, extending his record to 20-0.
The bout included a point deduction in Round 4 when referee Marc Goddard penalized Evloev for a second low blow against Murphy. One judge scored the fight 47-47, while the other two gave Evloev the edge.
🚨Lerone Murphy reveals that he suffered a torn hip flexor in the 4th round of his fight with Movsar Evloev and is already receiving treatment
“I thought I done enough to take the first 3 rounds… a draw at the very least with the point deduction” pic.twitter.com/tlGaIUpgfv
— Combat Casuals (@Combat_Casuals) March 23, 2026
Evloev’s Social Media Response
In the days following the fight, Evloev posted a defiant message on social media directed at his critics. “This is for all my haters. A couple of the opponents I beat had a lot to say about me, and they weren’t very nice,” Evloev wrote.
“Either way, love me or hate me, I’m going to be a champion, and you will not. I’m only focused on winners. Losers stay focused on winners, and you already lost,” he continued.
Evloev also highlighted his record in a separate post. He listed his 20-0 MMA record, 10-0 UFC record, and victories over fighters including Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen, Diego Lopes, and Dan Ige.
The Russian fighter surprised fans during the bout by choosing to stand and trade strikes with Murphy rather than rely on his typical wrestling-heavy approach. This tactical decision contributed to the competitive nature of the fight.
Bisping Disagrees with Decision
UFC commentator Michael Bisping voiced his disagreement with the judges’ decision. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Bisping said he believed Murphy should have won the fight.
“I thought Lerone should have won that fight,” Bisping stated. “I thought he won the first three rounds. I thought Movsar didn’t pick it up and really start going for it until Rounds 4 and 5.”
Bisping acknowledged that Evloev clearly won the final two rounds and damaged Murphy. However, he argued that even if Evloev won three rounds, the point deduction should have resulted in at least a draw.
“There was the point deduction. So, should it have been a draw? Because if it’s two rounds apiece, and let’s just say Movsar won three out of [five], well then, he’s essentially lost one of them because he loses the point,” Bisping explained.
Murphy revealed after the fight that he suffered a hip injury during Round 4. He praised his takedown defense and ability to get back to his feet when Evloev did secure takedowns.
Evloev entered UFC London ranked as the number one featherweight contender. He had previously defeated former UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310, which many believed had already earned him a title shot.
The controversy surrounding the Murphy decision may impact whether Evloev receives the next title opportunity. UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski recently defended his title against Diego Lopes at UFC 325.
Other top contenders like Jean Silva could potentially challenge for the title instead of Evloev. For now, Evloev remains undefeated and focused on his path to championship gold despite the mixed reactions to his latest victory.
