Lerone Murphy loses passion for MMA after controversy surrounding Diego Lopes' title shot

Undefeated featherweight contender Lerone Murphy must continue his climb toward the UFC championship after being overlooked for a title shot. The announcement of Diego Lopes challenging Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia, sparked frustration for Murphy, who had hoped to be next in line for the belt.

The news came during a Thanksgiving announcement by UFC President Dana White regarding the promotion's new broadcasting partnership with CBS and Paramount, which will run for seven years with a $7.7 billion deal. Among the initial bouts revealed was a rematch between Volkanovski and Lopes for the featherweight title on January 31.

Murphy, now 34 and holding a 17-0-1 record, admitted on The Ariel Helwani Show that learning of Lopes' title opportunity left him momentarily disheartened. When I first found out, I fell out of love with it for a bit, he explained. I got into MMA because I thought it was straightforward: do the work, fight the best. This situation stings, but its business. Ill keep fighting and winning until I get my chance.

Lopes, who lost to Volkanovski in April and then defeated Jean Silva in September, will now get a second chance at the belt, despite only one fight since his initial title defeat. Murphy speculated the decision was motivated by business considerations. It seems like they want a champion with a big draw, he said. Its a business move, plain and simple.

Lopes responded to the criticism on social media, posting a photo of himself smiling with a caption suggesting fighters should focus on their own work instead of complaining online. Murphy addressed this directly, defending his own record and commitment. Ive won nine fights in a row, accepted every opponent the UFC offered, and even took a short-notice fight against Pico. No one can tell me to get to workIve already proven myself, he stated.

Murphy also reflected on the Lopes vs. Silva fight, noting that he expected Silva to earn the next title shot after Lopes' earlier defeat. I thought Silva had it locked, and I assumed that would pave the way for me. But Lopes seized the opportunity, and thats fair. Ill fight whoever the UFC gives me next and secure my shot eventually.

Looking ahead, Murphy is awaiting his next assignment. After his highlight-reel spinning back elbow knockout of Pico, he is eager to face top-five competition in a full five-round bout. While he is open to fighting on the same Sydney card as the title bout, he prefers a meaningful matchup rather than a placeholder fight. A likely candidate could be fellow undefeated featherweight Movsar Evloev.

I believe Im the best in the division right now, and I need to prove it, Murphy concluded. Whoever the UFC books, Ill be ready for a five-round battle. My fire is lit, and Im prepared to take on anyone in the top five.

Author: Sophia Brooks