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The stage is set and it's finally time for the Main Event at UFC Vegas 92. Fans will be treated to a five-round, ranked matchup in the Featherweight (145) Division as we bring you our betting prediction and pick. No. 12-ranked Edson Barboza of Brazil will take on England's No. 14-ranked Lerone Murphy. Check out our UFC odds series for our Barboza-Murphy prediction and pick.
Edson Barboza (24-11) has gone 18-11 during his legendary 13-year career in the UFC. At 38 years old, he's looking to be in the best shape of his life and he's now won back-to-back fights over Billy Quarantillo and Sodiq Yusuff. Coming in as the underdog in his last fight, he'll look for another improbable win as he headlines Saturday. Barboza stands 5'11” with a 75-inch reach.
Lerone Murphy (13-0-1) has gone 5-0-1 in his UFC career since 2019. The lone blemish on his record was a split-draw in his debut and since, he's been able to stay perfect through his following fights. His last win was an impressive unanimous decision over Josh Culibao and he'll look to jump in the rankings and stay perfect here. Murphy stands 5'9″ with a 73.5-inch reach.
Here are the UFC Vegas 92 Odds, courtesy of BetOnline.
UFC Vegas 92 Odds: Edson Barboza-Lerone Murphy Odds
Edson Barboza: +118
Lerone Murphy: -138
Over 3.5 rounds: -150
Under 3.5 rounds: +120
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Why Edson Barboza Will Win
Edson Barboza continues to defy Father Time and given his recent physical shape during his last two fights, he looks to be hitting his peak in terms of athleticism and cardio. He looked like a vintage version of himself against both Quarantillo and Yusuff. His biggest strength, the leg kicks, look to be sharper than ever and his fervor for fighting continues to grow as he ages. While Murphy is a dangerous up-and-coming opponent, Barboza has five times as many fights as his young opponent. This is nothing he hasn't seen before and if he continues striking the way he has over the last few fights, he'll be a live underdog to watch in this fight.
Edson Barboza will be meeting a great physical match in Lerone Murphy, but he has the big advantage in experience and having fought in these five-round fights before. His cardio has looked solid as of late and he won't mind taking Murphy into the deep waters during this one. He'll need to be careful of the quick counter-strikes coming back his way, but Barboza has shown toughness in some of the toughest fights we've seen in this sport.
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Why Lerone Murphy Will Win
Lerone Murphy has been on a tear since his debut and he's looking like a more complete mixed martial artist each time he steps into the cage. He's a traditional kickboxer hailing from England and he has a style comparable to that of his fellow countryman Leon Edwards. Murphy is very strong in all aspects of his striking and he has devastating high kicks he likes to throw at range. He's also a very strong boxer and does a great job of moving his head inside of the pocket. Barboza tends to stand straight up and doesn't move his head much, so quick footwork and movement around the target could go a long way for Murphy in this fight.
Lerone Murphy has shown tremendous toughness in the past, but his defense and ability to limit damage on himself is what really makes him successful. The shots coming back from Barboza will be furious and Murphy would be foolish not to give his opponent the respect he deserves, but he could win this fight convincingly if he's able to stay patient and be the more defensively-sound fighter. Look for Lerone Murphy to be seeking the counter all night as Barboza leaves himself exposed one too many times.
Final Edson Barboza-Lerone Murphy Prediction & Pick
The UFC knew what they were doing in making this a five-round Main Event and fans should be treated to a fun kickboxing match throughout this fight. Both men are two of the cleanest kickboxers in the featherweight division and while Edson Barboza is already a legend of the sport, Lerone Murphy seems to be paving his own unblemished path thus far.
This fight will be decided by which man can be smarter about limiting damage and not lending themselves into a fire-fight. Lerone Murphy should have the advantage as the younger, fresher fighter and he could see success if he remains defensively disciplined. Edson Barboza will certainly be throwing the harder shots and his experience in this environment is tough too look past.
Ultimately, I think the shots coming from Edson Barboza will be too fast and too damaging for Lerone Murphy to stay composed. Barboza has seen this five-round environment so many times and I believe he'll make the most of his slight size advantage in the cage. This will be a true litmus test for Lerone Murphy, but the odds are rightfully skewed in his favor as the undefeated fighter. Let's take a chance on the underdog in this Main Event.
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Final Edson Barboza-Lerone Murphy Prediction & Pick: Edson Barboza (+118)
