Overview
- Judges scored the O2 Arena main event 48-46, 48-46 and 47-47 for Evloev in a closely contested five-rounder.
- Referee Marc Goddard deducted a point from Evloev in round four for a low blow, a pivotal swing in a tight fight.
- After largely striking early, Evloev seized control late with sustained takedowns and top pressure in rounds four and five.
- Murphy told his corner his hip “popped” during the later rounds yet continued to the final horn.
- Evloev demanded a title shot and champion Alexander Volkanovski said “I guess he’s next,” though the UFC has not made it official.