Lerone Murphy Bio
Lerone Murphy, born on 22 July 1991, is an English professional mixed martial artist competing in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of August 2025, he is ranked #4 in the UFC featherweight rankings and is known for his undefeated professional record.
Early Life and Background
Lerone Murphy was born and raised in Old Trafford, Manchester, England. He attended St Edward’s Primary School in Rusholme, St Mary’s Levenshulme, and St Anne’s Catholic High School in Heaton Chapel, Stockport. Initially, Murphy was a promising footballer, having trials with Liverpool F.C. and training with Stockport County and FC United during his teenage years. However, a serious knee injury at age 16 ended his football aspirations prematurely.
Coming from a family with a boxing background, Murphy is the nephew of the late Oliver Harrison, a respected Manchester boxing trainer who coached fighters like Amir Khan and Rocky Fielding. Murphy trained in boxing before transitioning to mixed martial arts after joining the All Powers MMA gym. In 2013, Murphy survived a shooting incident that left him with three gunshot wounds, resulting in permanent injuries including prosthetic teeth and a bullet fragment lodged in his tongue.
Path to MMA
Murphy began his MMA training at All Powers MMA in Manchester, where he developed his skills and prepared for professional competition. He debuted in MMA in 2016 and initially competed in the Lightweight division before moving to Featherweight in 2017. His early career was marked by a series of victories in regional promotions across the United Kingdom, showcasing his striking power and resilience.
His transition to the national level came with his signing to the UFC in 2019, where he quickly made an impact with his aggressive style and technical prowess. Training with the Manchester Top Team, Murphy has continued to refine his skills and establish himself as a top contender in the featherweight division.
Lerone Murphy Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
Lerone Murphy made his professional MMA debut at FCC 15, defeating Martin Fouda by unanimous decision. He quickly built momentum with several first-round technical knockout victories over opponents such as Tyler Thomas, Jamie Lee, Nathan Thompson, and Terry Doyle. Murphy also secured wins by unanimous decision against James McErlean and Anton De Paepe. His regional career peaked when he won the FCC Featherweight Championship at FCC 23 by defeating Manolo Schianna via first-round TKO.
During this period, Murphy fought primarily in the UK regional circuit, gaining valuable experience and establishing a reputation for his striking and durability. His undefeated record and championship win paved the way for his entry into the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Murphy made his UFC debut on 7 September 2019 at UFC 242 against Zubaira Tukhugov, resulting in a split draw. He quickly rebounded with a first-round technical knockout victory over Ricardo Ramos in July 2020, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Murphy continued to demonstrate his skill with a unanimous decision win over Douglas Silva de Andrade in January 2021.
In October 2021, Murphy stepped in on short notice to face Makwan Amirkhani at UFC 267, winning by knockout early in the second round. He has since maintained an undefeated UFC record, including notable victories over Gabriel Santos, Joshua Culibao, Edson Barboza, Dan Ige, Josh Emmett, and Aaron Pico. His win against Barboza earned him Fight of the Night honors, while his knockout of Pico secured his second Performance of the Night award.
Murphy’s fighting style combines precise striking with tactical acumen, supported by his training at Manchester Top Team. His resilience and ability to finish fights have made him a rising star in the featherweight division.
Driving Style and Strengths
Lerone Murphy is known for his aggressive striking and knockout power, particularly effective in stand-up exchanges. His reach advantage and technical boxing skills allow him to control distance and dictate the pace of fights. Murphy’s purple belt rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu complements his striking, although he primarily relies on striking to secure victories. His partnership with his coaching team at Manchester Top Team has been instrumental in his development and success.
Notable Events and Milestones
Murphy’s career is highlighted by his undefeated professional record of 17 wins and no losses. Key milestones include winning the FCC Featherweight Championship and earning multiple UFC bonuses for Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night. His comeback from a life-threatening shooting incident and subsequent rise to the top ranks of the UFC featherweight division is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Lerone Murphy Career Wins
Lerone Murphy holds an undefeated professional MMA record of 17 wins and no losses. His victories include eight knockouts, nine decision wins, and one disqualification. Murphy has demonstrated consistent performance across regional circuits and the UFC, securing wins against high-level competition and maintaining a perfect record.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2019, Murphy has accumulated multiple wins, including notable knockouts and unanimous decisions. His first UFC win came against Ricardo Ramos via first-round technical knockout, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus. Most recently, he secured a knockout victory over Aaron Pico with a spinning back elbow, which also earned him a Performance of the Night award. Murphy’s UFC tenure is marked by his rise to the #4 featherweight ranking and his reputation as a formidable contender.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Murphy achieved success in the UK regional MMA scene, capturing the FCC Featherweight Championship and compiling an undefeated record. His early career victories were characterized by a mix of knockouts and decisions, showcasing his versatility and finishing ability.
Lerone Murphy Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Lerone Murphy comes from a family with a strong boxing background. He is the nephew of the late Oliver Harrison, a respected boxing trainer in Manchester who worked with prominent fighters such as Amir Khan and Rocky Fielding. This connection influenced Murphy’s early exposure to combat sports and contributed to his foundation in striking.
Personal Life
Murphy resides in Manchester, England. Details about his marital status or children have not been publicly disclosed. His resilience following a serious shooting incident in 2013 is a significant aspect of his personal history, demonstrating his determination both inside and outside the cage.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Lerone Murphy continues to compete at the highest level in the UFC featherweight division. He secured a unanimous decision win over former interim title challenger Josh Emmett in April and followed it with a first-round knockout of Aaron Pico in August, earning his second Performance of the Night bonus. Murphy’s consistent victories have solidified his position as a top contender, with his technical striking and fight IQ on full display.
Training with Manchester Top Team, Murphy benefits from strong team dynamics and strategic coaching, which have contributed to his ongoing success. Looking ahead, he remains a key figure in the featherweight title conversation, with momentum building toward potential championship opportunities.