UFC 254: Lauren Murphy taps out Liliya Shakarova via rear naked choke

UFC 254: Lauren Murphy taps out Liliya Shakarova via rear naked choke
Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy took on Liliya Shakirova who made her UFC debut in the main card of UFC 254. Murphy was originally supposed to take on Cynthia Calvillo, who had to pull out of the fight after testing positive for COVID-19.

Murphy looked dominant throughout the fight, although Shakirova did put up a good defence. But the debutant fell to Murphy’s experience, and tapped out nearly 4 minutes into the 2nd round. Murphy is currently ranked at no.5 in the women’s flyweight division.

Fight analysis:

Round 1: Shakirova tried for a couple of low leg kicks, only to miss. Murphy moved in forward for a significant strike. High kick by Shakirova, who then reversed a single leg takedown by Murphy. Shakirova put in the work to put distance between herself and murphy. Murphy went for a body kick, only to be defended by the newcomer. Shakirova attempted a takedown with murphy against the cage, managed to land a few strikes. It was then Murphy who attempted a takedown with Shakirova against the cage, Shakirova landed a knee to Murphy, who seemed to be in a bit of trouble. Round 1 ended with Murphy looking for yet another takedown.

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Round 2(final round): Murphy landed a big kick, Shakirova tried for side kicks, to be dodged by Murphy. Jabs and punches thwarted by Murphy. She drove Shakirova against the cage, managed to land in a few strikes. Shakirova missed quite a few strikes. Shakirova again was taken down by Murphy, throwing a few big strikes. Another takedown by Murphy, who tried to land a couple of hammerfists. Murphy transitioned into the rear naked choke, squeezing tighter. Shakirova put up a fight initially, but tapped eventually.

Murphy wins via submission through rear naked choke

Also read: UFC 254: Magomed Ankalaev knocks out Cutelaba in the first round