Lerone Murphy Recalls Getting Shot in His Tongue During Street Attack

UFC featherweight contender Lerone Murphy reveals how fragments of a bullet are still stuck in his tongue from 2013 shooting incident.

Lerone Murphy Recalls Getting Shot in His Tongue During Street Attack

Lerone Murphy reveals a story of him getting shot (via Card Player)

In Short
  • Lerone Murphy has a bullet fragment lodged in his tongue from a 2013 street shooting incident.
  • He transitioned to mixed martial arts after a knee injury ended his soccer career aspirations.
  • Murphy expressed disappointment over not receiving a title shot despite being an undefeated contender.

Lerone Murphy has become a mainstay in the UFC featherweight division and is one of the few top-ranked undefeated contenders on the roster today. However, he grew up in a turbulent and violent environment that shaped his early years significantly and deeply. The #3 featherweight recently revealed that being shot still has lasting repercussions, with a bullet fragment remaining lodged in his tongue.

Murphy was born and raised in Old Trafford, Manchester, where he navigated a challenging upbringing in an area often associated with crime and instability. As a teenager, he focused on soccer and even earned trials with Liverpool while training with local clubs professionally. However, a serious knee injury at 16 ended those ambitions, leaving him searching for direction before eventually turning to mixed martial arts.

During media day duties ahead of his scheduled bout against Movsar Evloev at UFC London, Murphy recounted the 2013 incident in detail. He explained that he was outside a barbershop when a car suddenly pulled up before shots were fired, leaving him with injuries to his face. He then revealed that doctors were unable to remove a bullet fragment, which remains lodged in his tongue to this day.

I just remember looking up, thinking, ‘What, I’m still alive? And then, like, everything’s ringing, like, like Call of Duty. I don’t know if you play games, but in Call of Duty, when you get shot, everything, everything’s like ringing. So, I’m just sat there thinking, ‘Whoa, what’s going on there?’ I look again, and the car’s still there; the car’s still shooting. I was blessed that day because I’m still here and I was safe. Yes, I got shot through the face on the right-hand side, and the bullet’s lodged in my mouth.

Lerone Murphy via UFC on Paramount

Murphy is no stranger to life-threatening incidents, having survived multiple near-fatal situations outside the Octagon. In 2022, he was involved in a serious cycling accident after being struck by a vehicle, suffering a head injury and bleeding. Despite the severity of the incident and concerns around recovery, he eventually returned to competition, adding another chapter to his history of overcoming setbacks.

It was widely viewed that Murphy would be positioned for a title shot following his spinning elbow knockout win over Aaron Pico at UFC 319. However, the UFC instead moved forward with a featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes at UFC 325. Murphy expressed disappointment at the decision, as he remained an undefeated contender without a clear path to a title opportunity.

All of these experiences have played a significant role in shaping ‘The Miracle’ into the fighter he is today. His confidence and composed personality can be traced back to the adversity he has faced both inside and outside the Octagon. Now set to take on one of the biggest tests of his career, Lerone Murphy continues to build on a journey defined by resilience, discipline, and steady progression at the elite level.

Lerone Murphy promises a violent reckoning for Movsar Evloev

Lerone Murphy’s UFC career has been marked by steady progression and impressive performances since his debut in 2019. He quickly established himself as a contender in the featherweight division, earning recognition for his technical striking and disciplined approach. Highlight wins over fighters such as Zubaira Tukhugov and Dan Ige showcased his precision, timing, and finishing ability.

Lerone Murphy
Lerone Murphy (via SPORTbible)

Movsar Evloev is recognized as a dangerous opponent, particularly for his elite wrestling and control on the ground. However, Murphy brings a contrasting skill set, relying on precise striking and knockout power that could challenge Evloev at UFC London. Recently, Murphy sent a clear warning to the Russian contender, signaling his intent to impose his striking game when they meet inside the Octagon.

Once these knuckles touch Movsar’s chin, it’s over. I want a knockout, hands clean.

Lerone Murphy via his YouTube channel

The stakes are high for Lerone Murphy heading into UFC London, as a win over Evloev could boost his standing in the featherweight division. Success would strengthen his case for a future title shot and solidify his reputation as one of the division’s top fighters. With his striking skill set and undefeated momentum, the British contender has a chance to make a decisive statement on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

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