Training Camp Rehearsal Led to Lerone Murphy’s Incredible UFC 319 Spinning Elbow Knockout

Featherweight contender Lerone Murphy reveals that his highlight-reel knockout against Aaron Pico at UFC 319 was not improvised.

Training Camp Rehearsal Led to Lerone Murphy’s Incredible UFC 319 Spinning Elbow Knockout

Lerone Murphy talks about his knockout at UFC 319 (via Yahoo Sports)

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The UFC 319 event was a spectacular success and gave the fans a night full of entertainment. With the crowning of a new champion in Khamzat Chimaev, breathtaking knockouts, and a total of seven finishes, the event exceeded the expectations of fans. Adding to the amazement, featherweight contender Lerone Murphy recently revealed that his highlight reel knockout was not improvised.

Murphy was the architect of a spinning elbow knockout against Aaron Pico in the co-main event at UFC 319. Despite landing an unusual move, Murphy recently spoke to MMA Journalist Ariel Helwani and revealed that he practiced the move before the fight in a behind-the-scenes video.

He (Pico) often leads with his head and kind of jumps into range. I knew it would work. I actually knew it would work. I knew that technique would be the one to finish him. That’s why I started with a spinning back kick… When he walked in, you can see he braces. He thinks that a back kick was coming and the elbow caught him.

Lerone Murphy via The Ariel Helwani Show

Murphy revealed that Pico tended to lead with his head, which was the reason for setting up a spinning back finish. ‘The Miracle’ also revealed that he confused his opponent with a kick that he converted into an elbow. However, Murphy was not the only fighter to land a spinning back elbow; welterweight contender Carlos Prates also similarly finished his opponent, Geoff Neal, on the same night.

Murphy is undefeated in his professional career and has been fighting in the UFC since 2019. He rose to popularity after he defeated Edson Barboza in a dominant display of striking at the first event that he headlined in 2024. After that, the Englishman was able to defeat prominent names of the featherweight division such as Josh Emmett and Dan Ige.

The featherweight contender has not had the easiest road to stardom in the UFC. He has faced a lot of problems and has credited the sport of MMA for saving his life on multiple instances. Murphy was shot twice in the face in 2013 before getting into MMA. Moreover, he also almost lost his life in 2022 when a car crashed into him while cycling.

Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski had also noticed the 34-year-old’s knockout of Pico and has shown interest in a potential title fight against the Englishman, labeling it as a “no-brainer.” It remains to be seen if the fight comes to fruition any time soon.

Lerone Murphy reflects on his highlight reel knockout at UFC 319

Lerone Murphy’s knockout over Aaron Pico has undoubtedly etched the Englishman’s name in UFC history. Spinning back elbow knockouts rely on perfect timing, precision, and the element of surprise. These knockouts are rare, but when they land clean, they often go viral and become career-defining moments. It will definitely cement the UK striker’s place in highlight reels for years to come.

Lerone Murphy at UFC 319
Lerone Murphy at UFC 319 (via MiddleEasy)

Murphy spoke to Helwani, reminiscing about the victory and revealed that he had termed the knockout as the “spinarooney”. The Englishman also gave props to the crowd and added that they were one of the main reasons that made the moment special for him. He also talked about celebrating with his team and appreciated them for traveling the world and not giving up on him.

I think I’ve watched it 10,000 times. It feels great. I just watched a man’s soul leave his body, and it just felt amazing. I wish I could rewind it and just slow it down, cause it all happened so quick.

Lerone Murphy via The Ariel Helwani Show

Murphy has built an undefeated UFC record, showcasing a sharp boxing base, crisp counterstriking, and ever-improving grappling. His calmness under pressure, combined with fight-ending power, has made him one of the most dangerous prospects at 145 pounds.

With every performance, Murphy is on the path to cement his place among Europe’s best fighters. Possibly winning the title will definitely improve his profile to a legendary figure among casual fans in the coming years.

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